EFL Learners’ Perceptions of Using Materials Containing Local Culture to Teach Reading

This study explored EFL learners’ perceptions of teaching reading using materials containing local culture. Fifteen students were purposively chosen from different senior high schools in Lombok, Indonesia. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. However, the sample was limited in size and comprised exclusively high-achieving learners, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. A total of 15 students were selected as participants. Open-ended questions were used to obtain the participants’ perceptions after teaching reading using materials containing local culture. The findings revealed the significant impact of integrating local culture into reading materials for EFL learners. Their comprehension, motivation, and sense of cultural identification were strengthened by the local culture in learning. The learners' cultural environment not only made language acquisition easier but also provided a framework for a closer connection to their own heritage. The findings highlighted the importance of culturally appropriate teaching materials and demonstrated how, in EFL environments, integrating local culture can enhance language acquisition and cultural preservation.