Reading the World: Intercultural Literacy in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Introduction. Intercultural literacy (IL) enriches English as foreign language (EFL) teaching processes by fostering awareness of cultural diversity, promoting cultural sensitivity, and facilitating the interpretation of both linguistic and cultural contexts. Thus, reading the word and the world. Furthermore, IL transforms English teaching into a dynamic and interactive process. Objective: In this regard, the aim of the present research is to analyze the role IL plays in EFL teaching with pre-service teachers in Colombia. Methodology. This qualitative case study, examined the relationship between IL and EFL teaching. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three pre-service teachers from a private university. Results. The findings indicate that IL offers several benefits, such as promoting self-reflection and enhancing understanding of both others’ cultures and one’s own, thereby mitigating the risk of cultural colonialism. Conclusion. This study suggests that EFL teaching, in Colombia, should integrate IL into curriculum designs to promote a more holistic approach to language education.