Reflect on Cultural dimensions of learning a language. Reading from Figuring Foreigners Out
The cultural dimensions of learning a language are essential in learning a language. Some important points brought up by the readings include the incorporation of individualist and collectivist understands of culture that may influence the learning of language where dialogue and interactions are based on specific cultural norms. The individualist versus collectivist personal identity plays a crucial role because language will reflect the way in which individuals relate to one another, make requests, acquiesce, delegate, or accept certain aspects of social life. To know how the culture operate on the individualistic and communitarian spectrum will allow language learners to appropriately communicate with people certain situations.
As important as learning the spoken language, a large part of cultural learning is understanding the unspoken word or nonverbal communication which may express more or different meanings in different cultural settings. Learning a language requires one to understand how individuals react through facial expressions, signaling, or other movements which may have significant meaning. This is very important in learning a new language because confusion, insult, or misunderstanding may arise from such situations. And in the case that there are misunderstandings there is always a need to be flexible both as learner of another language and as a native speaker communicating with students of one's own language.
The explanation of monochronic and polychronic understandings provide a similar opportunity as nonverbal communication to ignite confusion or understanding, so it is an aspect of culture that must be considered in learning a language in order to be most effective in communicating.
The cultural dimension I found most fascinating and most relevant to learning language through immersion is the conversation on direct and direct communication. The difference between high and low context cultures provides a very important part of relating everyday within a culture that may be much more important to the student than his ability to speak the language. Responding to communication in the appropriate settings allows for less frustration and confusion and may facilitate language acquisition by understanding the comfort limits associated with a culture.
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