Reading comprehension is about relating prior knowledge to new knowledge contained in written texts. Prior knowledge, in turn, depends on lived experience. Topics that are familiar and openly discussed in one culture may be unacceptable in another. Children growing up in rural communities will have different experiences from those from urbanized, developed countries. Because having more prior knowledge generally facilitates comprehension, having more cultural knowledge has the same effect. Having rich but different types of cultural knowledge will also affect our understanding and appreciation of written text. For example, jokes and humour depend on shared cultural knowledge between the writer and reader.Practical Applications
- Choose reading materials that are culturally appropriate. However, it is also important to remember that television, movies and pop culture may be widespread in many places, except for remote, rural communities. This may broaden the choice of appropriate materials.
- Choosing reading materials that draw on students’ lives, experiences and interests is a good starting point.
- Some common, high-frequency words in one culture may refer to unfamiliar concepts for students from another culture. Examples of American English words include: prom; snowboard; spam (food); dirt (soil); potluck.
- Sensitivity to cultural factors also means taking time to discuss and explain unfamiliar concepts and vocabulary.
- In foreign-language teaching, it is helpful to present cultural information in the students’ native language. This serves as background knowledge before the students attempt to read in the foreign language.
