Cultural Literacy & Language Teaching: Indian Scenario

Abstract

Teaching is known as a noble profession. A teacher not only teaches a language or a subject, but also inculcates human values and regard for life, animate and inanimate, in his students. In a language class, basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught initially and developed subsequently in a graded manner, under the guidance of a teacher. Tests are conducted and evaluated to award a student with a rank/grade. Not much thought is given to equipping the learners with emotional intelligence to cope with any situation in life. Learner autonomy is the goal of education. Only when awareness is created about multiculturalism and the need to respect all as members of a family, proper literacy in all aspects is possible. Cultural values can be inculcated in an innovative manner by using technology in a language class room. Linguistic and cultural components are to be integrated for multidimensional empowerment of learners to live comfortably and decently in today’s world marked by multiple migrations and locations chosen to study or work. This paper seeks to discuss endeavours made in India in this regard.