Abstract

This study investigates the impact of integrating Korean culture into the ELT curriculum adopting a critical cultural awareness approach on students' cultural understanding. Furthermore, the study extends its research to examine the extent to which the local cultural understanding in English acquired from the course contributes to enhancing learners’ intercultural communication in global contexts. This nine-month longitudinal study employed a qualitative data approach derived from a mixed-method study involving pre- and post-survey questionnaires from college EFL learners and in-depth qualitative interviews. Overall, the findings have shown that the integration of local culture into the ELT curriculum helped students: (i) to enrich their understanding of local culture and history; (ii) to examine cultural values with critical perspectives; and (iii) to feel empowered and better prepared to engage in intercultural communication. The analysis also points out that students’ self-/national identity was enhanced, and their English communication skills in global contexts were promoted. Some important implications of this study are discussed for teachers who consider teaching local culture by connecting critical cultural awareness approach in foreign language curricula. 

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