The interaction of language and culture was examined and found to support the idea that the study of the culture of the people who speak the target language is a very important part of English as a second language (ESL) and foreign language classes. Recent curriculum frameworks developed by the Florida Department of Education were used to illustrate a suggested sequence for the teaching of culture and to show the difference between that instruction in ESL and foreign language classes. Some general recommendations for the teaching of culture are made and the teacher competencies needed to follow the recommendations are outlined. Finally, suggestions and recommendations are made for acquiring these competencies, with special emphasis on the professional readings that can assist teachers in their own inservice education. (MSE)