Abstract:

These days English is used as a mother tongue in the English-speaking countries, as a second language in multilingual countries and as a foreign language worldwide. As a result, EFL teachers inevitably create a space of interculturality in which students learn about other cultures while also reflecting on their own culture in relation to others. In this context it is absolutely essential to introduce students into the English-speaking world, to equip them with knowledge of cultural conventions and values, and to teach them some rules of behaviour adopted by native speakers of English. It is all about Target Culture Materials, however it is equally important to give them a chance to think about their own country by using Source Culture materials. Hence with this twofold sourcing of materials students gain an intuitive understanding of the differences between the two cultures and in the process learn to be tolerant and respectful towards all other cultures, not only those who are native speakers of English.

Project work activities can turn an ELT classroom into a cultural juncture that develops students’ linguistic competence in the target language and focuses on various intercultural aspects. Project work is a task-based technique, suitable for all levels and ages, that enables the teacher to differentiate classroom activities and organize self-directed learning through group work on various intercultural issues.

Thus, the aim of this paper is to review problems and benefits of using project work to teach culture.

Keywords:

Language education, project work, collaborative learning, communicative competence, intercultural competence, Source Culture, Target Culture.