The influence of Vietnamese culture on English language acquisition: Learners’ perspectives

Abstract

Culture plays a significant role in language learning, impacting aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, and usage in various contexts, including formal and informal settings tied to social status or age. Disparities between a learner’s native culture and the target culture can affect the acquisition of the target language. Native culture may either facilitate or interfere with learning, with interference often being more prominent (Ara, 2017; Ellis, 1997; Brown, 2001). Vietnamese culture exemplifies this dynamic within the context of Vietnamese students learning English. Distinct cultural traits in Vietnam can pose cross-cultural challenges, leading to potential misunderstandings in communication (Dang & Norris, 2024). Recognizing traditional characteristics plays a crucial role in assisting students in overcoming cultural barriers in language acquisition. Despite this understanding, there exists a considerable gap in the literature regarding this topic. This gap in research provides the impetus for the present study, which seeks to explore how Vietnamese culture affects the process of learning English. Data collected from a questionnaire involving 83 students majoring in English at a university located in the Mekong Delta reveals their valuable insights into this phenomenon. The findings indicate that the communication styles and learning preferences prevalent among Vietnamese students present distinct challenges in their English language learning journey. The research results suggest several pedagogical implications, suggesting that tailored instructional strategies could enhance the effectiveness of the English learning process for Vietnamese students. Addressing these cultural factors is essential for improving language acquisition outcomes and fostering more effective learning environments.