9.2. The domains of culture
While teaching our students culture we have to deal with the three domains of culture: the cognitive domain, the pragmatic domain and the attitudinal domain, which are essential and equally important. In the cognitive domain the aim is to give information about other cultures and the learners’ relation to them. We regard it as necessary not only to refer to the countries where the target language is spoken but to include also other cultures. In the pragmatic domain the aim is the acquisition of the practical skills needed for intercultural communication. In the attitudinal domain the aim is to develop attitudes such as open-mindedness, respect and tolerance and to avoid stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.