The effects of culture on foreign language learning beliefs

Abstract

There are a large number of foreign language learners in China. Lots of research has been done on how to improve foreign language learning efficiency, but in reviewing the foreign language learning researches, it can be easily seen that the cultural effects on foreign language learning have not been given its due attention. Much of the research has been done within the scope of particular theories. This thesis attempts to explore the science of foreign language learning from the perspective of cultural effects on language learners, especially the effects of culture on foreign language learning beliefs. The efficiency of foreign language learning can be improved by improving learning strategies, which in turn are determined by language learning beliefs. The language learning beliefs are adversely affected by such cultural factors in Chinese culture as patterns of social hierarchy, face, collectivism and past oriented time concept. These cultural patterns help explain the existing language learning beliefs in China. Understanding the effects of these cultural patterns on foreign language learning beliefs, foreign language teachers can better understand students' learning beliefs and help students in turn with the evaluation of their learning beliefs; students of foreign languages can develop their own independent understanding of the foreign language, avoiding some false language learning beliefs.