CONTENT AND CULTURE IN CONTEXT: THE CULMINATION OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION

By Elaine-Kirn Rubin and Arthur Rubin

Wikipedia defines content-based instruction (CBI) as “a significant approach in second language education . . . CBI is designed to provide second-language learners instruction in content and language.” Content-based instruction requires both native and non-native speakers to work on their pronunciation, sentence structure, vocabulary and phrasing, as well as to hone their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills naturally or automatically via exposure to stimulating content.  The nature of this subject matter might be determined by curriculum requirements or “dictated” by adult interests and needs (e.g., health, finances, professional, family and social life).

Whatever the goal, language-skills development and improvement tend to merge with content and “culture” (i.e., relevant societal ideas, beliefs and values).

It is to be hoped, however, that in addition to achieving their practical goals, students will also learn how to learn and acquire a lifetime love of learning, which can be rewarding in its own right.