The importance of cultural awareness in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction to undergraduate students

This study sets out to identify the importance of inclusion of culture in English language teaching for non-native speakers. Communicative competence, an essential goal in learning English as a foreign language, is identified as the linguistic and behavioral competence. In addition, this study explores the contribution of culturally-sensitive English language teaching to students’ increased awareness of culture. The study uses the culture tests, developed by the author, throughout the culturally-sensitive English language teaching course to check students’ progress in cultural awareness. The research revealed that there is valuable benefit in adopting the view of inseparability of language and culture by teachers and using culturally-sensitive English language teaching. It is essential to increase students’ sensitivity about different cultures in today’s culturally rich environments.