Linguistics across Cultures: The Impact of Culture on Second Language Learning

Online Submission, Journal of Foreign Language Instruction v1 n1 Nov 2006

Linguistics across Cultures: The Impact of Culture on Second Language Learning Kuo, Ming-Mu; Lai, Cheng-Chieh The purpose of this article is to discuss the inseparable relation between culture and language and the implementation of instructional strategies for teaching second language through culture to enhance students' linguistic comprehension. Language is not only the product of culture, but also is the symbol of culture (Gleason, 1961). Culture must be incorporated outright as an essential component of second language learning and teaching. Only after cultural issues become an inherent part of the language curriculum and instruction, can students be successful in their target language learning. Second language teachers, therefore, should pay more attention to the diversities of cultures, identify key cultural items in every aspect when they design a language curriculum, and apply appropriate teaching strategies to learning activities in order to help students to bridge the culture gaps.

Descriptors: Second Languages, Teaching Methods, Educational Strategies, Language Teachers, Second Language Learning, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Differences, Curriculum Design, Second Language Instruction