This study examines the representation of cultures across three sets of national English textbooks currently used in China by conducting a synchronic content analysis to explore what and how cultures are represented in the textbooks. Data analysis was conducted based on a newly constructed framework focusing on the content (countries and…

Language is often used to demonstrate group membership and to establish cultural identity. When the language is not readily available or is at risk, individuals tend to turn to other markers to develop their cultural identity. Using Leximancer for thematic and conceptual analyses of interviews with ten accomplished musicians in Nova Scotia,…

The shift of focus from a cognitive to social view has drawn the attention of second language assessment researchers to delve into interactional competence as an intriguing topic in paired oral tests. To fill the gap on how interactional patterns compare across L1 and L2 interactions this study was specifically set to explore and compare 45 paired…

Internationally operating professionals in China study business English to develop their language proficiency and transcultural communicative competence. While a variety of business English textbooks are on the market and are used in China, their conceptualizations of culture tend to be nation-based, static, and predictable -- views of culture…

Paremiology is a branch of linguistics that studies proverbs and idioms, with their structural, semantic and pragmatic features. The purpose of the study was to distinguish ethnocultural and linguo-cognitive features inherent in Paremiology. For this purpose, the study analyzed family traditions related to weddings in Kazakh, English and Chinese…

Studies examining culture representation in language textbooks have rarely adopted the semiotic approach, despite its potential for presenting and (re)creating cultural meanings at their various levels (i.e. cultural, intercultural, multicultural, and transcultural) in the co-instantiations of texts, tasks, and images. To address this issue, a…

Upon encountering unfamiliar words or observing local practices in study abroad contexts, second language learners may discuss aspects of the target language and culture with their peers -- 'non-native' friends from the same cultural background or 'natives' of the target culture. Such mediations are instrumental in elaborating understandings, but…

The second-language (L2) Motivational Self System (L2MSS) proposed by Zoltán Dörnyei described how L2 learners are motivated through envisioning their ideal future L2 self. The L2MSS framework for studying L2 motivation has had mixed results. The aim of this study was to evaluate measuring future selves as L2 motivators consistent with the L2MSS…

Advocates of using songs and music in English as a second language (EL2) teaching and learning contexts emphasize the educational benefits of song lyrics. To make the full potential of using songs more visible and accessible to EL2 teachers, this article presents a methodological framework that can be used when planning a song unit for learners.…

This study examines the perspectives of Saudi heritage tour guides on their linguistic proficiency and their role in representing Saudi Islamic culture to international visitors. A questionnaire was used to explore how they perceive their responsibilities in conveying Saudi traditions, history, and Islamic values, as well as the effectiveness of…

Developing emotional competence during childhood is critical because it is a significant resource for building psychological well-being, social relationships and even school achievement. Language plays an important role in fostering emotional competence among monolingual children but for bilingual children, the relationship between culture,…

This research aims to analyze cultural items in the international Chinese education network course resource database found in the "Chinese Bridge" delegation online experience platform. Data were collected from 878 culture-themed courses implemented by 106 schools (including 64 universities, and 39 vocational colleges, 3 high schools)…

Cultural awareness is essential in foreign language education. This paper explores two projects that exemplify the integration of cultural elements into foreign language learning involving both first language (L1) and second language (L2) cultures. The first project was initiated in the course "German Cinema". It focuses on the legendary…

The purpose of this survey study was to explore how the English language proficiency of Asian and Latin American immigrant parents influenced their levels of intergenerational challenges as reflected in their experiences with diminished parental authority, role reversal, acculturation gap, value discrepancy, family conflict, and emotional…