Various researchers, the CEFR-CV (2020) and the Course of Study have argued that it is necessary for language learners to develop intercultural competence in ELT. In order to achieve this, it is essential not only to compare overt culture but also to explore covert culture. However, regarding the study of cultural materials in Japan, some researchers have pointed out that Japanese English textbooks do not include enough of the covert culture such as “values, beliefs and attitudes" or “interpersonal relations." In contrast, the questionnaire in this study showed that Japanese high school learners were more interested in these infrequent topics than in the frequent ones in textbooks. Based on the findings, this paper suggests that most English learners might not be aware that they are interested in learning about culture, and shows several examples to develop intercultural awareness from the popular overt culture to the complex covert culture.
Mokuren Yokozeki (Sat,) studied this question.