Preparing Students for Meaningful Culture Learning

As culture becomes more a focus in the foreign language classroom, teachers need to increase their understanding of two related concepts: first, what preparation is necessary for students to succeed in learning another culture; second, what problems language teachers and their students may encounter in the culture learning process. This article discusses the need for teachers to restructure their views of culture learning, taking into account both the process itself and the problems that may arise. Presented are practical lessons that can help both to prepare students to accept another culture and to address potential problems.