[Westley Mark]

Culture is an important aspect of a student's learning. I find it especially useful when working with upper-intermediate and advanced students, whom may be slightly patronised by the examples of 'real' interaction found in many text books (this is particulary accute in the case of advanced business English students).

Combing cultural issues with the use of idiomatic expressions can be really helpful. Also, I agree with the previous posting that, yes, the cultural aspect certainly does make the language seem more relevant and of practical use outside of the classroom.