ENHANCING CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH FOR INSTITUTES

Abstract

This thesis addresses the imperative need to enhance cultural competence in foreign language education within institutes. Traditional language instruction methods often overlook the cultural dimensions of language, thereby limiting learners' ability to communicate effectively in diverse global contexts. To address this issue, an integrative approach is proposed, integrating cultural immersion and understanding into language teaching methodologies. The study employs a mixed-methods research design involving surveys, classroom observations, and interviews with language educators and students. Language proficiency also showed notable enhancements. Classroom observations and interviews underscored the positive impact of culturally integrated teaching methods on student engagement and motivation. The implications of this study are twofold. Firstly, it underscores the importance of incorporating cultural elements into foreign language education. Secondly, it provides practical insights into the implementation of an integrative approach, highlighting the need for professional development for educators and the development of culturally diverse curriculum materials. Ultimately, this research contributes to more effective foreign language education in institutes, equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in today's interconnected global society.[1]