Language, Culture and Society : Exploring the Influence of

Culture on English Language Acquisition

Salwa Salsabila Fasya1, Mohammad Iqbal Nurhidayat2

2223230004@untirta.ac.id1 2223230061@untirta.ac.id2

Abstract
This synthesis explores the intricate relationship between language and
culture in the context of intercultural communication and English language
learning. Both articles emphasize that language serves as a primary vehicle for
conveying cultural values, norms, and behaviors, making cultural competence
essential for effective communication. Misunderstandings often arise when
individuals from different cultural backgrounds interact, highlighting the necessity
of integrating cultural knowledge into English Language Teaching (ELT). The
articles advocate for teaching strategies that incorporate cultural awareness, such
as using literature, role-play, and discussions about cultural norms, to enhance
students’ understanding and communication skills. Furthermore, translation is
presented as a critical process for bridging cultural gaps, requiring a deep
understanding of both source and target cultures. The findings suggest that
language and culture are inseparable; mastering a language involves not only
linguistic proficiency but also an understanding of the cultural contexts that shape
communication. Ultimately, the integration of cultural studies into language
curricula is essential for fostering intercultural competence and effective
communication in a globalized world.

Keywords : Language, Culture, Intercultural Communication, English Language

Teaching, Cultural Competence, Translation, Misunderstanding, Curriculum
Design.

INTRODUCTION serves as a vessel for cultural expression.

Each language encapsulates the unique
The relationship between language
characteristics of its associated culture, thus
and culture is deeply intertwined and plays
linking language directly to the cultural
a significant role, especially in the context
identity of its speakers. In the field of
of intercultural communication. Fatiha
English Language Teaching (ELT),
Guessabi highlights that "language is
incorporating cultural knowledge is not
probably the best way of conveying a
merely an added feature, but a necessity for
culture, both oral and written, in human
effective communication. Dr. Mohammed
societies," emphasizing that language
AbdAlla AbdAlgane Mohammed supports critical role in ensuring the accuracy of the
this view, stating, "Language is not only the message conveyed. Komissarov asserts that
product of culture, but also is the symbol of "translation from language to language is
culture." By recognizing and understanding ipso facto translation from culture to
cultural contexts, learners are better culture," reinforcing the idea that effective
equipped to comprehend language use in a translation requires a deep understanding of
more holistic way, enabling more effective both the linguistic and cultural nuances
and meaningful communication. This embedded within a language. Without this
underscores the integral role of culture in understanding, misinterpretations can
language education, where language cannot easily occur, as evidenced by cultural
be separated from the cultural backdrop in idioms like "love me and love my dog,"
which it operates (Abdalla & Mohammed, which can be misunderstood in different
2020). cultural settings.

The complexity of the relationship The impact of cultural differences on

between language and culture is evident, as language learning further demonstrates
both elements are not only interdependent how essential cultural awareness is for
but also complementary, influencing each effective communication. Mohammed
other in profound ways. Guessabi emphasizes that "understanding of culture
acknowledges that this relationship is is very important for understanding any
intricate, noting that language and culture language," pointing to the idea that
shape each other in ways that extend language learning is incomplete without
beyond mere translation. considering the cultural frameworks that
Misunderstandings frequently occur in shape how a language is used. As learners
intercultural communication, often due to embark on acquiring a new language, they
differing cultural norms and behaviors. As must also navigate the cultural norms and
Tiono (2002) points out, "two persons with behaviors that influence communication.
the same code... may fail because of the This cultural understanding enhances their
lack of knowledge about behavior patterns ability to use the language appropriately in
in each culture," highlighting the various contexts, ensuring that their
importance of cultural awareness for communication is both effective and
successful communication. This is respectful. Language learning, therefore,
particularly relevant in situations involving goes beyond mastering vocabulary and
translation, where cultural context plays a grammar; it involves engaging with the
cultural context that governs how language knowledge about the social and cultural
is structured, interpreted, and used in norms of the target language community,
everyday life. In this way, understanding thus facilitating a deeper understanding of
the culture behind a language is both language and culture.
indispensable for learners to communicate Alyasery (2018), citing Halliday
meaningfully and effectively in their new (1973), identifies seven essential functions
linguistic environment. of language that demonstrate its
The connection between language multifaceted role in communication. The
and culture can be further explored through instrumental function refers to language's
the concept of language as a social ability to manipulate the environment and
institution that both shapes and is shaped by bring about specific events, while the
society. Gleason (1961) argued that regulatory function highlights its role in
languages are not only products of cultures controlling actions and influencing others
but also symbols that represent them. As through approval or disapproval. The
language evolves, it influences cultural representational function, on the other
development, and vice versa, creating a hand, allows language to convey facts,
continuous exchange between the two. knowledge, and explanations. The
Armour-Thomas & Gopaul-McNicol interactive function focuses on how
(1998) also highlight the fact that language language maintains social connections,
is embedded within the social structures of incorporating elements like slang, humor,
a society, acting as both a product and a and cultural norms that shape social
driving force in shaping social practices and interactions. Additionally, language serves
institutions. Language cannot exist personal functions, enabling individuals to
independently from culture; it is a social express emotions and their own
practice that both reflects and constructs the personalities, and cognitive functions,
cultural realities of its speakers. This allowing them to acquire new knowledge.
interconnectedness is particularly evident Finally, the imaginative function of
when learners encounter a new language, as language lets people create stories, poems,
they are required to understand not just the and other forms of creative expression,
linguistic structures but the cultural systems further emphasizing the versatility of
that inform and shape how language is language in shaping human experience.
used. Moreover, as individuals develop Understanding these functions is crucial for
their language skills, they are also acquiring language learners, as they demonstrate how
language facilitates social interaction, and shapes how individuals interpret and
cultural understanding, and personal interact within various sociocultural
expression. Each function reflects the frameworks.
dynamic relationship between language and The significance of cultural
culture, illustrating how language shapes understanding in language learning extends
and is shaped by the social, cultural, and to practical applications, such as
emotional contexts in which it is used vocabulary usage and communicative
(Wolf, 2014). competence. Alyasery (2018) highlights
how cultural context influences the
meaning and perception of words,
THEORY
exemplified by the contrasting associations
The integration of cultural elements
of colors in different societies.
into English language teaching (ELT) is
Additionally, Kramsch and Sullivan (1996)
crucial, as language and culture are
argue that embedding cultural studies in
inseparably linked. Gleason (1961)
language education not only enhances
emphasized that languages are not only
linguistic skills but also helps learners
products of culture but also symbols that
avoid cultural misunderstandings. Effective
reflect cultural nuances. This intertwining
communication requires more than
nature means that learning a language
grammatical accuracy; it involves
without understanding its cultural context
recognizing and respecting cultural norms
can lead to incomplete comprehension. As
and practices. Samovar, Porter, and Jain
Tomalin (2008) suggests, teaching culture
(cited in Mohammed, 2020) further noted
as a "fifth language skill" equips learners
that culture shapes communication
with the ability to adapt their use of English
patterns, including who speaks to whom,
in diverse cultural settings. This skill
about what, and how messages are
fosters intercultural sensitivity and allows
interpreted. By integrating cultural
learners to grasp the values and behaviors
elements into ELT, learners can achieve
of other cultures, enabling more meaningful
deeper comprehension and foster more
communication. Moreover, Brown (1994)
authentic interactions in the target
stated that language and culture are
language.
"intricately interwoven," making cultural
awareness an indispensable part of
language acquisition. Thus, the role of METHODE
culture transcends the linguistic domain
 The methodology employed in this Mohammed AbdAlla AbdAlgane
study involves gathering data from various Mohammed’s insights into language as a
online sources, including reputable symbol of culture, and the theories of
academic journals, articles, and databases, Halliday on language functions have been
to explore the intricate relationship between critically analyzed. The research also draws
language and culture. The approach on case studies, real-life examples, and
primarily focuses on accessing and cross-cultural communication scenarios
analyzing research available in the public available in digital formats, which provide
domain, including open-access journals, concrete evidence of how cultural
digital libraries, and scholarly articles that knowledge influences language learning
discuss the interconnection of language and and effective communication. By
culture in the context of English language systematically analyzing these materials,
teaching (ELT) and learning. This method the study provides a comprehensive
allows for an extensive review of existing understanding of the complex relationship
literature, ensuring that the study is between language and culture and how it
grounded in established academic theories affects English language teaching and
and findings. To achieve this, I utilized learning.
search engines, databases like Google The methodology also considers the
Scholar, and online journal repositories to use of online platforms that host cultural
identify key research papers and articles and language learning resources, as they
that address the role of cultural knowledge offer practical insights into the integration
in language acquisition and of culture in language education. These
communication. platforms, including language learning
In addition to examining journal websites, forums, and educational blogs,
articles, the methodology includes provide real-world examples of how
reviewing theoretical frameworks proposed learners from diverse cultural backgrounds
by various scholars and experts in the field engage with the English language. By
of language education. This approach analyzing user experiences, feedback, and
enables the study to incorporate diverse educational practices shared on these
perspectives on how language both shapes platforms, this research is able to offer a
and is shaped by cultural contexts. Sources more holistic view of how cultural
such as Fatiha Guessabi’s work on the role differences impact language acquisition.
of language in conveying culture, Dr. Furthermore, the methodology includes the
use of digital tools and software designed enabling learners to navigate linguistic
for language learning, which incorporate and cultural differences successfully.
cultural elements into their teaching Incorporating cultural knowledge
materials. This allows for a practical enriches the learning process by
examination of how cultural awareness is contextualizing vocabulary, grammar,
woven into language education in and communication strategies. For
contemporary settings. example, vocabulary often reflects
cultural phenomena, such as colors or
idioms that hold unique connotations
RESULT
across societies. Teaching methods
A. The Influence of Culture on English should not only include factual cultural
Language Teaching and Learning knowledge but also foster an
The intricate relationship between interpretive understanding of the target
culture and language is evident in culture. This approach equips students
English language teaching and with the ability to compare and contrast
learning. Language functions as both a their ability.
product and symbol of culture,
meaning its effective learning requires B. The Significance of Culture in
cultural integration. Without Language Acquisition
understanding the cultural contexts Culture plays a pivotal role in
behind language use, learners often language acquisition by providing
struggle to fully grasp or effectively context and shaping the ways in which
communicate in the target language. learners perceive and understand the
This is because aspects like target language. Language is
conversational norms, expressions, and inherently tied to cultural norms,
even non-verbal communication differ values, and practices, meaning that the
widely across cultures. For instance, ability to communicate effectively in a
silence or forms of address carry second language often depends on
different meanings in different understanding these cultural
societies, influencing how language is underpinnings. Scholars argue that
used and perceived. Thus, linguistic competence goes beyond
incorporating culture into language grammar and vocabulary, emphasizing
instruction bridges these gaps, cultural knowledge as equally
essential. This includes understanding
customs, idiomatic expressions, and students to interpret cultural
social cues that are unique to the differences and apply this knowledge
culture of the language being learned. in communication. Through role-
Without this cultural integration, playing, discussion of cultural
language learning may remain practices, and exposure to authentic
superficial, leaving learners unable to materials, learners can develop the
fully engage in meaningful cultural sensitivity necessary to use the
communication. language appropriately in various
The cultural context significantly settings. This approach ensures that
influences the interpretation and use of language learning extends beyond
language, impacting all areas of functional use, cultivating deeper
communication, from vocabulary to connections with the cultural and
conversational dynamics. For example, social dimensions of the target
idiomatic expressions often carry language.
meanings rooted in cultural history and
shared values, which may confuse C. Methods for Enhancing Cultural
learners unfamiliar with the cultural Awareness in Language Learning
background. Similarly, social Incorporating literature and
conventions, such as forms of address drama in language learning has proven
or conversational norms, vary across effective in fostering cultural
cultures and must be understood for sensitivity among students. Literature
effective interaction. Teachers are allows learners to explore various
encouraged to incorporate cultural cultural perspectives, while drama
elements into language instruction to engages them directly with cultural
help bridge cultural gaps, enabling nuances and scenarios, enabling a more
students to connect language skills immersive experience. Role-playing
with real-world applications. activities further encourage creativity
Integrating cultural awareness and simulate real-life interactions,
into language acquisition also fosters which can improve understanding of
critical thinking and adaptability, cultural contexts. Moreover, discussing
equipping learners to navigate diverse proverbs from the target language
social contexts. Language educators compared to those in the students’
are tasked with not only teaching native tongues can provide insights
linguistic structures but also guiding into cultural values and thought
processes, aiding in the development of knowledge but active participants in
intercultural competence. the cultural learning process.
Utilizing authentic materials
from the target culture is another
CONCLUSION
valuable method to enhance cultural
awareness. Items such as music, films, In conclusion, the intricate
and artifacts allow students to connect relationship between language and culture
with the cultural realities of the is undeniable, especially in the context of
language they are learning. These English language acquisition. As we
resources can be particularly useful in navigate a world that is increasingly
providing a deeper understanding of interconnected, understanding the cultural
social norms, customs, and values that nuances that shape communication
influence language use. Teachers can becomes essential. Language is not merely
also employ comparative exercises, a set of grammatical rules and vocabulary;
encouraging students to draw parallels it is a living expression of the values,
and contrasts between their own beliefs, and practices of a community. By
culture and the target culture, which integrating cultural awareness into
helps in identifying both differences language teaching, educators can equip
and shared human experiences. learners with the tools they need to engage
Interactive classroom practices meaningfully with others, fostering
that emphasize dialogue and reflection authentic connections that transcend
are crucial for developing cultural linguistic barriers.(Gordon, 1991)
awareness. Teachers should create an Moreover, incorporating cultural
environment that allows open elements into language education enriches
communication about cultural topics, the learning experience, making it more
fostering critical thinking and mutual relevant and engaging for students.
respect. Activities such as analyzing Activities such as exploring literature, role-
idiomatic expressions, understanding playing, and discussing cultural norms not
cultural etiquette, and participating in only enhance linguistic skills but also
cross-cultural discussions can help cultivate empathy and adaptability. As
students appreciate the diversity within learners become more culturally aware,
and beyond language. This interactive they are better prepared to navigate diverse
approach ensures that learners are not social contexts, leading to more effective
just passive recipients of cultural
and respectful communication. Ultimately,
embracing the interplay between language
and culture is crucial for developing well-
rounded individuals who can thrive in a
globalized society, promoting
understanding and collaboration across
cultures.

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