Unit 11: Ethics of Cultural Representation in Language Teaching

3. Avoiding Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation

Stereotypes are oversimplified, fixed ideas about groups. They often appear in:
·       Teaching materials (e.g., "All British people drink tea").
·       Classroom discussions.
·       Visual aids.
Cultural appropriation occurs when cultural elements are used out of context, often for aesthetic or commercial purposes, without understanding or respect.
🛑 Examples to avoid:
·       Celebrating holidays from other cultures without context.
·       Assigning roles or activities that mock or exoticise a group.
Educators must ensure representations are accurate, nuanced, and contextualised.