THE ROLE OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (CALL) IN TEACHING CULTURETHROUGH SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Abstract

The need and importance of CALL in teaching culture through second language acquisition was researched in this paper. It was noticed that the technology has tremendous bearing on cross-cultural awareness by means of intercultural studies, facilitating the teaching and learning of cultures easier than before, especially in the acquisition of a second language. The success of teaching and learning of culture through CALL depends on the active participation of teachers and learners, and efficient use of technology. The teacher should be a guide, a facilitator, an organizer; and a learner, as well as an open-minded critical thinker who can analyze, synthesize and critique the material available in interaction with another culture. Technology should be used as a pedagogical catalyst, and should not paralyze the effective participation of teachers and students. Neither technology nor any culture and language can be idealized. All being human products, have their negative and positive points, which need to be studied critically and creatively.