Cultural Differences In Learning English Language

Language is an integral part of a human being. According to most psychologists, it is language that separates humans from lesser creatures. English is the international language these days and it has become increasingly important for people all over the world to learn the language. However, learning English in a place where English is not part of its culture can be a daunting task. In countries like India and Pakistan, English is the official language so people are somewhat proficient in it. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, learning English can be difficult and has various affects on the sociology and psychology of the whole culture.

Children and young adults learn how to relate their feelings according to the culture around them. Starting from the very beginning, children use language and norms taught at home to communicate their demands and thoughts to the people around them. They use different styles and their word choice depends on the language used at home, but the basic context remains almost the same in a given culture.

People experience silence when they think there could or should be talk. If two people are sitting together, one may think there's a silence when the other does not. Scollon (in press) points out that Athabaskan Indians consider it inappropriate to talk to strangers, and that this has an odd effect when an Athabaskan meets a non-Athabaskan, white or black. One wants to get to know the other by talking, and the other feels it is inappropriate to talk until they know each other. The result of this kind of difference is cross-cultural stereotyping. Non Athabaskans conclude that Indians are sullen, uncooperative, even stupid, because they don't talk in situations where the non-Athabaskans expect them to talk. Similarly some gestures or language skills might be considered appropriate in Arab whereas they are not suitable