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Helping Vietnamese Students with No Interest in Western Cultures Improve English Speaking Skill: Practical Techniques
Helping Vietnamese Students with No Interest in Western Cultures Improve English Speaking Skill: Practical Techniques
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Date
2020
Authors
Lê Thị Trung Đính
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Research Projects
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Abstract
It is undeniable that language learning has to be accompanied by cultural acknowledgement. However, not all language learners, especially Vietnamese students, are fond of Western culture, not mentioning some even dislike the culture of native English speakers. This leads to numerous obstacles for English teachers to overcome to help their students acquire the language, including how to apply authentic materials in teaching speaking skill for Vietnamese students while they have no interest in an unfamiliar culture. Confronted with a post-elementary speaking class including some students with no interest in Western culture, I decided to adopt and modify authentic materials based on their cultural interests and their major at university, and apply proper communicative activities to help them feel comfortable with their original fondness. After 3 months, positive outcome was witnessed, as the students could make small talks to express their own perspectives in English, which had been impossible for them to complete before. Some even reached intermediate level of English speaking although their attitude towards British and American culture has not changed much. This has paved a path for future study whether language teachers should utilise coursebooks, or they should compile the authentic materials based on students’ penchant and majors.
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Keywords
cultural interest,
language acquisition,
authentic materials,
speaking skill