Listening comprehension through culturally familiar contexts: A case study in Japan

Abstract

Around the world, English language educators are increasingly turning to localized and culturally-oriented learning materials to adapt to the needs of their learners. Along with this trend, a small but growing number of studies support the notion that culturally familiar contexts in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning have positive outcomes for language acquisition. However, scant research has been conducted on non-linguistic variables such as doubt and perceived difficulty in comprehending culturally non-familiar listening components. Therefore, this study investigates the effect that cultural familiarity can have on lowering barriers to listening comprehension for English language learners. To achieve this purpose, a series of preliminary and secondary tests were administered on intermediate-level learners at a Japanese university. Through a crossover analysis, two groups were presented near identical listening passages that reflected either a Japanese or foreign context. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests gauged the effectiveness of recall of vocabulary, grammar, and context comprehension between a sequence of pre-and post-tests. Paired sample t-tests measured students‘ perceived difficulty between the tests. The results suggest that active filters and perceived barriers are significantly higher for those presented with culturally non-familiar passages. However, such inhibitions can be diminished after instruction, resulting in near equal gains to those who receive culturally familiar listening passages.