TEACHING ENGLISH THROUGH A LINGUO-CULTURAL APPROACH: ENHANCING GLOBAL AWARENESS THROUGH CULTURAL COMPARISON

Аннотация

Traditional English Language Teaching (ELT) has often prioritized linguistic competence over socio-cultural understanding, leading to learners who are grammatically proficient but culturally inarticulate. This article advocates for a linguo-cultural approach to ELT, emphasizing the inextricable link between language and culture. By integrating cultural learning and fostering cultural comparison, this methodology aims to enhance not only linguistic skills but also global awareness and intercultural communicative competence (ICC). The article argues that understanding the cultural nuances embedded within the English language and contrasting them with learners' source culture is crucial for effective communication and for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. It explores the theoretical foundations of this approach, outlines practical strategies for its implementation in the classroom, highlights the benefits for critical thinking and empathy, and addresses potential challenges. Ultimately, a linguo-cultural approach enriches the language learning experience, making it more relevant, authentic, and empowering learners to become truly globally aware citizens. Keywords: Linguo-cultural approach, English Language Teaching (ELT), global awareness, cultural comparison, intercultural communicative competence (ICC), target culture, source culture, authenticity, critical thinking, empathy, socio-cultural context.