Integrating Minnan Culture into High School English Reading Instruction: A Case Study of Xiamen

Abstract

Using Xiamen as an example, this study investigates the practical route of incorporating Minnan culture into high school English reading instruction. It does this by combining the materials of Compulsory 2 UNIT4 History and Traditions, Compulsory 2 UNIT1 Cultural Heritage, and Compulsory 3 UNIT3 Diverse Cultures, and by creating a series of English reading lessons with a Minnan cultural theme. To enhance students’ English reading skills and cultural literacy, southern Fujian cultural elements like Nanyin, lacquer thread carving, and Pok Pok were incorporated into the classroom through the use of games, pre-reading activities, reading activities, and post-reading activities. The results of the study show that the integration of southern Fujian culture into English reading teaching is feasible and effective, can stimulate students’ learning interest, enhance the sense of cultural identity, and provide practical references for cultural integration in English teaching.