How Are Language and Culture Related? How to Incorporate Culture in the Classroom

Language and culture are inextricably linked. A language is not merely a collection of words and grammatical rules; it is a living expression of a people's history, values, beliefs, and unique way of seeing the world. The nuances of a language often reflect the distinct aspects of a group, from their social customs and traditions to their artistic expressions and daily interactions.

In fact, national standards, such as the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages adopted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), require students to learn about different cultures as they learn a language. Yet, culture is often taught superficially in language classrooms, sometimes reduced to just one day of activities focused on food and crafts, or rote memorization of geographical facts.

In this article, Savvas authors as well as former Spanish teachers and world language educators Rich Sayers and José M. Díaz discuss why incorporating more lessons and activities dedicated to culture is critical to learning a language in a way that’s meaningful and memorable. They provide guidance on where to start and how to embed culture into your language course.

Why Is Language Important to Culture?

Rich and José strongly advocate that culture and language be inseparable in the language learning classroom. They point out that language is shaped by the people who use it, their histories, values, customs, and daily lives. Without cultural context, language becomes an abstract exercise rather than a means of communication.

There are several benefits to integrating cultural learning into language classrooms:

Deepens Understanding of Language Structure

José points out that cultural context often explains why language functions as it does. Elements like word order, greetings, gestures, and even humor are rooted in cultural perspectives. Students who study cultural practices understand not only how to say something but why it’s said that way.

Enhances Retention and Engagement

Culture makes language learning memorable. Rich notes that students are naturally curious about how their peers in other countries live — what they do on weekends, how they dress, or how holidays are celebrated. Connecting language lessons to authentic cultural materials makes learning stick.

Develops Empathy and Critical Thinking

Exposure to culture fosters empathy and helps students see beyond stereotypes. It pushes them to reflect critically on both the target culture and their own. As both Rich and José emphasize, learning culture builds the capacity to understand others’ perspectives, a crucial skill in our diverse societies.

Aligns with Standards and Educational Goals

National standards, such as ACTFL's, emphasize the integration of cultural understanding. These standards encourage learners to explore products (artifacts, art, music), practices (customs, social interactions), and perspectives (beliefs, values) of the cultures connected to the language they are studying. Teaching culture isn’t merely an enrichment. It’s a core part of quality language instruction.

How to Teach Culture and Language Together

To effectively integrate culture meaningfully into a language course, Rich and José recommend several strategies educators can adopt.

Start with Self-Reflection

José stresses that students must first understand their own cultural backgrounds. Teachers can begin with activities that prompt learners to explore their own communities, family traditions, and values. This builds awareness and provides a meaningful reference point for comparisons with other cultures.

Go Beyond “Culture Days”

Instead of treating culture as an isolated event, embed it into daily lessons. For example, instead of simply learning vocabulary for food, explore their regional variations, their historical significance, and why certain dishes are traditional.

Use Authentic Materials

Rich suggests selecting authentic texts, videos, music, blogs, or news articles directly from the target culture. The goal is not only language comprehension but cultural discovery. For instance, a video about university graduation traditions in a Spanish-speaking country can spark discussions comparing career expectations, family involvement, and societal values in students’ own communities.

Teach Observation Skills

Students should be guided to observe cultural materials carefully. José recommends showing student video clips without the sound of everyday interactions, such as how people greet each other. Students can note gestures, physical distance, and expressions. These observations then become the foundation for deeper discussions about cultural values and social norms.

Encourage Community Engagement

Both Rich and José advocate connecting students with local communities. Invite speakers who represent the target culture, or have students interview family members, neighbors, or local business owners who can share real-life experiences. Even if these conversations occur in English, they build cultural context and personal connections.

Integrate Critical Thinking

Culture should spark curiosity and questioning. Rich recommends structuring lessons around three key actions: investigate, explain, and reflect. For example, after studying a cultural tradition, students might discuss:

• What are the origins of this practice?
• What values does it reflect?
• How does it compare to practices in our community?

This approach ensures culture is not presented as a list of facts but as a lens for understanding human behavior.

Incorporating Culture in the Classroom Successfully: What to Look for in Culture-First Instruction

Educators and administrators often wonder how to recognize effective cultural instruction. Based on the experiences of Rich and José, here are essential elements to observe:

Active Observation and Analysis

Students are not just passive listeners; they’re analyzing videos, images, texts, and artifacts. Teachers explicitly teach how to observe cultural details and guide students in discussing their observations.

Meaningful Comparisons

Classrooms feature activities where students reflect on similarities and differences between their own culture and the target culture. This encourages personal connections and deeper understanding.

Authentic Resources

Lessons include materials produced by native speakers for native audiences, such as news articles, music, social media posts, or documentaries, rather than only textbook excerpts.

Critical Thinking Questions

Teachers pose open-ended questions that prompt students to reflect, analyze, and express opinions about cultural practices and perspectives.

Student Reflection

Students are encouraged to explore how cultural topics relate to their own lives and communities. Reflection activities help solidify learning and foster empathy.

Consistent Integration

Culture is embedded into regular instruction, not confined to special days or isolated units. It’s a constant thread that shapes language use and understanding.

Moving Forward with Language and Culture

Rich and José remind us that language learning is fundamentally about people — how they live, what they believe, and how they communicate. Without cultural context, language classes risk becoming disconnected and purely academic. When culture is woven into lessons, however, students gain insights that transform not only their language skills but their worldview.

Culture must move from the margins of the language classroom to its center. With practical strategies and thoughtful reflection, educators can help students unlock the true power of language as a bridge between worlds.

Want to incorporate more culture into your language classes?

Download this guide to help your students reflect on their own cultural experience, and on how they connect to the target cultures in the language classroom. Use these thought-provoking questions to create a respectful and inclusive environment for students to learn about new cultures.