Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number4   December 2021                                 Pp. 340-348
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.22

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The Necessity of Endowing EFL Learners with the Fifth Language Skill: A Key to a
Successful Learning Experience 

Fatma ZAGHAR
Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages
University of Oran 2 – Mohamed BEN AHMED – Oran, Algeria
Corresponding Author: tzafour@yahoo.com 

El-Alia Wafaâ ZAGHAR
Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages
University of Oran 2 – Mohamed BEN AHMED – Oran, Algeria

Received: 9/30/2021               Accepted: 11/1/2021              Published: 12/15/2021

 Abstract:
In this increasingly interconnected epoch, the teaching of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) along with culture that is considered as a fifth skill has become inevitable. Therefore, EFL teachers are impelled to introduce cultural instruction in their classes. They are then advised to combine the teaching of language skills with the foreign culture because it prepares their learners to behave successfully in intercultural encounters, gain solid cultural knowledge, overcome cultural obstacles, and promote their cultural awareness. The main questions addressed in this research focus on the inclusion of the cultural component in language subjects’ syllabuses, and the type of teaching strategies that can ameliorate the status of cultural instruction. This study points out the key importance of implementing intercultural information in EFL contexts founded on a case study undertaken at the University of Oran 2 in Algeria. This paper targeted a group of Master II students by using an array of data collection means including a questionnaire given to the learners, an interview done with the teachers, and classroom observation sessions carried out by the researchers. The major aims of this work were to verify the learners’ perceptions of cultural learning, and outfit students with core foundations of culture. The results demonstrated that the incorporated teaching techniques have enriched the students’ cultural understanding and intensified their linguistic adeptnesses. It is suggested that these teaching initiatives can aid learners be compassionate, understandable, and tolerant human beings.
Keywords: Cultural awareness, EFL contexts, fifth language skill, Master students, teaching strategies

Cite as: ZAGHAR , F., & ZAGHAR, E. W. (2021). The Necessity of Endowing EFL Learners with the Fifth Language Skill: A Key to a Successful Learning Experience.  Arab World English Journal, 12 (4) 340-348.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.22

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