Breaking barriers: Exploring Colombian culture to strengthen english communication skills

Abstract

The integration of cultural content in English language teaching is widely recognized as essential for developing students' communicative competence and intercultural awareness. This study explores the impact of incorporating Colombian cultural elements into English language instruction at the Instituto de Lenguas of Universidad Distrital (ILUD). A series of multicultural workshops were designed and implemented, targeting students at varying levels of English proficiency. These workshops combined language practice with cultural exploration, focusing on Colombian traditions, music, and dance. The findings reveal that students not only improved their language skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for their own culture and its place in a global context. This study suggests that integrating Colombian cultural content in language teaching can significantly enhance students' engagement and learning outcomes, offering a more holistic approach to language education.