Abstract:

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the prospective English language teachers’ perceptions of the culture of English-speaking countries. A total of 71 third year students enrolling in Anadolu University, Education Faculty, ELT Department participated in the study. A 26-item questionnaire was administered to the participants in a regular classroom hour. The questionnaire consisted of three dimensions of culture: power distance, individualism/collectivism and uncertainty avoidance (Hofstede & Hofstede, 2005). Three students were also randomly chosen to conduct an interview in order to provide further understanding. The results of the study revealed that prospective English language teachers generally perceive the culture of English-speaking countries as a culture which minimizes power distance between people. It was also shown in the findings that the students generally perceive the culture of English speaking countries as highly individualistic. As a final result, it was found that the students perceive the culture of English speaking countries as a low uncertainty avoidance culture.

Keywords:

Culture, cultural dimensions, culture in ESL/EFL education, language learners, prospective English language teachers.