As Cook (2003) points out:
The successful interpretation of language (spoken or written) in context depends upon the degree to which the
participants share conventions and procedures, including those related to paralanguage. Such conventions and
procedures, together with the values and beliefs behind them, are elements of cultural background knowledge… (p. 52).
The integral relationship between language and culture has led to numerous debates on the role and impact of English
language teaching in general and of English language programs in Iran in particular. Ranging from English linguistic
imperialism and cultural invasion to cultural neutrality, the interpretations of the state of culture in ELT in Iran is still
controversial. According to Aliakbari (2004), in particular, two extreme evaluations of ELT appear in the agenda. On
the one hand, English culture as a school subject is seen as representing and introducing western culture to the Iranian
students. On the other hand, there are voices postulating that English culture as it is presently taught in Iran is nothing
but a representation of the Persian or Islamic ideology. This unresolved controversy prompted many recent
investigations into the cultural content of ELT in Iran.