EFL Students’ Perceptions of the roles of culture in English language learning

Abstract

This present thesis aims to investigate how EFL learners perceive the roles of culture in their English language learning. The strong relationship between language and culture has been widely acknowledged by many scholars and researchers. Culture profoundly influences language acquisition, shaping linguistic patterns, communication styles, and language usage norms. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature and empirical research, this study explores learners’ perspectives on the importance of cultural background so that the implications of cultural awareness for effective language teaching and learning will be discussed later. Conducted at Can Tho University (CTU), a leading institution in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, the research involved 142 English major students enrolled in the English Teacher Education as well as English Studies programs. Employing a mixed-methods approach including surveys and interviews, the research figures out students' perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward the roles of culture in English language learning. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between culture and language learning, underscoring the importance of incorporating cultural content into language instruction to cultivate students' intercultural competence and communicative effectiveness. By offering valuable insights and practical recommendations, this thesis contributes to advancing the quality of English language teaching and learning practices at CTU and beyond.