Should teachers teach the British and American culture in the EFL classroom?

Since English has become a lingua franca of the global village, so indispensable in the business world, it has reached every classroom around the globe as a primary foreign language to be learned. All those wishing to keep abreast with the modern global society need to have a good communicative competence in this language. But learning a foreign language does not mean memorization of a few grammar rules and thousands of words. To understand a Brit or an American is to have some basic knowledge of their culture and the way these people think. Looking at these two nations historically, both of them have had a great cultural impact on the entire world, whether it's in music or fashion, theater or film, science or fiction, human rights or military intervention. The list is endless. Both countries have been dominating this planet for ages and there is no sign in the universe that would predict any change in the foreseeable future. Post-socialist countries of the former Soviet block have a great sentiment for these two cultures. Intoxicated by the American dream, they are creating a society that compares any aspect of their life to the American model. MacDonald's signs attached to XVII-century historical buildings and Johnny Camel puffing at monuments of their heritage are becoming landmarks of a new political system in place that so much wants to be identified with anything that reminds these people of America. Is there a danger that these countries will lose their own identity over time by succumbing to the charm the English-speaking nations yield? Will they lose their own traditions and customs, replacing them with the more “superior” as a result of this intervention? Should the EFL teachers introduce a cultural element into their classrooms and further reinforce the current trend?

A. Osobka