Integrating Local and Western Cultures in English for Tourism
Lecturers’ Perceptions and Pedagogical Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/foster-jelt.v7i4.491Keywords:
Cultural Integration, English for Tourism, Intercultural Communicative Competence, Pedagogical Practices, Lecturers’ PerceptionsAbstract
Cultural integration in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses is a critical issue in EFL contexts, particularly in regions with rich local heritage. This study examines how lecturers at State University of Manado perceive the integration of local and Western cultures in the English for Tourism course, and how these cultures are represented in pedagogical documents. A qualitative research design was employed, using open-ended questionnaires via Google Form, document analysis of the semester learning plan, teaching materials, and student project assignments. Three lecturers from the English Education Department participated. Findings reveal that all lecturers hold strongly positive perceptions toward balancing both cultures. They believe cultural integration enhances student motivation, communicative competence, and intercultural awareness. Document analysis shows that the semester learning plan incorporates tourism topics accommodating both cultural dimensions. Student projects, such as tourism brochures and audiovisual promotions, demonstrate the integration of North Sulawesi's local tourism with global English norms. This study contributes to the growing literature on culturally responsive pedagogy in ESP and Indonesian EFL settings. However, the findings are limited to one university and three lecturers, which may restrict their transferability to other English for Tourism contexts.
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