English Teachers’ Strategies In Integrating Interculutral Materials To Enhance Students’ Cultural Awareness

Abstract

This study aims to examine how English teachers at a State Senior High School in Palangka Raya, integrate intercultural materials to enhance students’ cultural awareness. This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal that teachers adopt a variety of strategies, including the use of authentic materials, cultural comparisons, role-playing activities, and collaborative learning. These strategies are underpinned by (Byram's Intercultural Communicative Competence.), and further supported by the cultural categories proposed by (Cortazzi & Jin, 1990) as well as the cultural elements outlined by (Yuen, 2011) The study concludes that the integration of intercultural materials not only facilitates language acquisition but also fosters students’ respect, empathy, and understanding of cultural diversity.