The Importance of Language and Culture in the L2 Classroom

Being able to understand another person’s viewpoint is essential for effective communication. As the perceptions of most human beings are shaped by culture, the most important contribution intercultural communication studies have made for second language teaching is to increase the instructor’s awawreness of the intricacies of managing a multicultural or a monolingual classroom in a foreign learning context, improving teaching and classroom quality for second language students.

In support of this argument, this paper presents a brief background on the influence of culture on language, the benefits of studying L2 for cultural acquisition, the importance of recognizing different cultural motivations for L2 acquisition, intercultural differences that lead to misunderstandings and poor learning/teaching, the prevalence of ethnocentrism, and lastly, methods and approaches that may be useful in second language teaching.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Importance of Language and Culture in the L2 Classroom
• Culture through Language
• L2 Study and Cultural Acquisition
• Cultural Motivations for L2 Acquisition
• Intercultural Differences and Misunderstandings
• Ethnocentrism and Cultural Norms
• Theoretical Frameworks for Intercultural Communication
• Teaching Culture in the Language Classroom

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the crucial role of language and culture in second language (L2) teaching and learning. It examines how culture shapes language and vice versa, highlighting the benefits of studying L2 for cultural acquisition. The paper also investigates the impact of cultural differences on communication and learning, emphasizing the need for intercultural awareness in the L2 classroom.

• The influence of culture on language and vice versa
• Benefits of L2 study for cultural acquisition
• Cultural motivations for L2 acquisition
• Intercultural differences and their impact on communication and learning
• Ethnocentrism and the need for cultural sensitivity in the L2 classroom

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The Importance of Language and Culture in the L2 Classroom: This chapter introduces the central theme of the paper, highlighting the importance of understanding another person's viewpoint for effective communication. It argues that intercultural communication studies are essential for managing multicultural classrooms and improving teaching quality for L2 students.
• Culture through Language: This chapter explores the relationship between language and culture, emphasizing how language reflects and affects one's worldview. It discusses how culture influences various aspects of communication, including speaking, reading, and writing.
• L2 Study and Cultural Acquisition: This chapter examines the benefits of L2 study for cultural acquisition, emphasizing the need for students to understand the socio-cultural and pragmatic norms of the target language. It highlights the role of explicit instruction in cultural pragmatics and the importance of understanding the reasons behind L2 speakers' behaviour.
• Cultural Motivations for L2 Acquisition: This chapter discusses the different motivations for L2 acquisition, using a case study of Japanese college learners as an example. It emphasizes the importance of understanding learners' motivations for designing effective syllabuses and classroom procedures.
• Intercultural Differences and Misunderstandings: This chapter explores intercultural differences in communication styles, such as turn taking, directness, and feedback. It argues that awareness of these differences can help prevent negative evaluations and misunderstandings in the L2 classroom.
• Ethnocentrism and Cultural Norms: This chapter discusses the impact of different cultures of learning on the classroom environment. It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing cultural differences in student and teacher behaviour to promote effective learning.
• Theoretical Frameworks for Intercultural Communication: This chapter presents various theoretical frameworks for understanding intercultural interactions, such as collectivism vs. individualism and high vs. low power distance. It explains how these frameworks can be useful for cultural comparison in the L2 classroom.
• Teaching Culture in the Language Classroom: This chapter suggests methods for teaching culture in the L2 classroom, including comparing the socio-cultural and pragmatic norms of the learner's first language with that of the target language. It emphasizes the role of teachers as cultural mediators and advocates for explicit instruction in cultural differences.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key terms and concepts explored in this paper include intercultural communication, second language acquisition, cultural pragmatics, ethnocentrism, cultural differences, communication styles, and theoretical frameworks for intercultural understanding. The paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing cultural factors in the L2 classroom to promote effective communication and learning.

Details

• Author: Ian Akbar (Author)
• Publication Year: 2003
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V343567
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668344112
• ISBN (Book): 9783668344129
• Language: English
• Tags: language culture L2 acquisition identity cultural acquisition multicultural ESL EFL instrumental motivation intrinsic motivation communication styles cultural values classroom intercultural communication