Creating a Global Cultural Consciousness in a Japanese EFL Classroom

Abstract

Recently, culture has taken an important role in language education. In this view, creating a global cultural consciousness among second language (L2) students can help bridge the gap between linguistic ability and functional intercultural communication. This paper, which makes reference to Japanese adult EFL learners, justifies the body of opinion that creating a global cultural consciousness in the EFL classroom can eventually yield solutions to Japan’s communication weaknesses. The first half of this paper illustrates the language-culture connection and its consequences for Japan in a globalizing world. I explain how, in the context of Japan, there is a need to create a cultural awareness in order to implement the ideal Japanese educational philosophy. In the second half of this paper, a five-day lesson plan using an ethnographic teaching methodology is outlined. A discussion of the formation of a new cultural identity for Japanese EFL students and its implications will conclude this paper.