An Overview of the Goals of Cultural Instruction in Formal English Curricula in Taiwan

Abstract

This study employs metaanlysis to. evaluate six culture-oriented English teaching programs in Taiwan in terms of Damen`s six goals for cross-cultural and intercultural training as follows: (1) to expand cultural awareness of both the student`s native culture and the target culture; (2) to encourage a seeking to understand the new and different cultural pattems; (3) to develop intercu1tural communicative skills in areas in which cross-cultural similarities occur; (4) to develop a perspective of cross-cultural awareness that recognizes cultural differences and fosters understanding of the strength found in diversity; (5) to increase tolerance and - acceptanceoi the- existence of different values, attitudes, and belief systems as part of a target cultures; and (6) to develop an attitude of acceptance toward change and personal adjustment; to foster personal` flexibi1ity in order to open avenues for leaming and growth throughout a lifetime; and to understand that culture shock is a natural process. Results indicate need for improvement of those programs in terms of effectiveness and adequacy. Instructional topics of American-Anglo cultures were generally limited to concrete issues such as holidays and foods without addressing to spiritual attitudes, values and beliefs in the cultures. Local culture in Taiwan was either neglected or understated. Suggestions are made to cultivate in students understanding of their .own culture and tolerance of appreciation of the others in formal English instruction.