Author: Daiho, Kitaoka

Annotation: This article examines the role of cultural awareness in foreign language classrooms and highlights potential issues arising from cultural representation in widely used Japanese language textbooks. Drawing on recent research on culture in language education, this paper argues that while cultural integration is essential for communicative competence, imbalanced or uncritical cultural depictions may reinforce stereotypes rather than cultivate intercultural competence. The impact of such cultural perspectives may be dealt with by learners both consciously and subconsciously. The analysis focuses on two issues: the tendency towards self-centered, ethnocentric portrayals, and the over-emphasis on cultural differences as opposed to underlying properties or universal human experiences. This article suggests that while cultural knowledge is crucial, materials must lead learners to critically engage with and tackle cultural barriers, moving beyond mere surface-level contrasts to foster genuine intercultural competence.

Keywords: cultural awareness, multicultural understanding, intercultural comprehension, holistic approach, foreign language teaching and learning.

Pages in journal: 101 - 105