Reading comprehension.
When learning a second language it is important to study the culture of the language you're learning.
Anyone can learn another language's grammar from a textbook, but what good is this learning if you don't
understand the culture of the person you're speaking to? Only in learning another language and its culture
will you be able to proficiently communicate with a person in that language. There are many ways to enhance
your language studies by studying the country's culture; this can include reading literature, watching movies,
or listening to popular music.
Many schools in the United States emphasize the importance of cultural understanding in language classes.
Instead of memorizing only vocabulary words and grammar patterns, classes from elementary schools to
universities are teaching literature, pop songs, and films in their classes. From these various mediums students
can learn a great deal about the culture of a language they study, These different forms of media can teach
various characteristics about the language, culture, and history of a society.
Literature can allow you to understand the history and current debates confronting a culture. For example,
if you read John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath you can understand the history and problems of ordinary
American farmers in the Great Depression. In watching films one can learn about what is popular in a society,
and also slang phrases one definitely won't find in a textbook. In pop songs one can understand what the
current fad in a culture is; what kind of music people like to listen to, what that culture finds romantic, and
even what the contemporary "cool" viewpoint in that society is.
If you truly are interested in learning a language, don't underestimate the importance of learning about the
language's home culture. Of course one must learn a language's grammar and vocabulary, but this will only
get you so far in actually being able to communicate effectively. So if you are learning a language, take the
time to also study the culture.
1. The best title for this passage would be _____.
A. Important Factors in Learning a Second Language
B. The Importance of Culture in Learning a Language
C. Effectively Communicating in a Second Language
D. Why You Should Watch Films and Listen to Music When Learning a Foreign Language
2. In the above passage literature is described as an important way to learn _____ about a culture.
A. history
B. history and political issues
C. history and social issues
D. all of the above
3. According to this passage, if one wanted to learn about what is popular in a society where should they look?
A. Pop songs and movies.
B. Pop songs.
C. Movies.
D. Literature.
4. What is the definition for "mediums" according to the passage?
A. The methods of conveying information.
B. Different genres of culture.
C. Books, songs, and films.
D. All of the above.
5. Which of the following opinions was NOT expressed in the passage above?
A. That language learning needs to be supplemented by cultural learning.
B. That cultural learning can give key insights into a society's history, language, and current trends.
C. That a majority of time should be given to cultural learning while learning a second language.
D. The key to effective communication is language and cultural proficiency.
