Una breve aproximación teórica a las interferencias culturales en el aula de español como segunda lengua en España (L2)

Abstract

This study aims to prove the necessity of introducing pragmatics and culture in second and foreign language acquisition, and more precisely in teaching Spanish as a foreign language in Spain. This study tries to prove that the intercultural competence is crucial in order to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts when teaching second languages, where cultural diversity is the norm. It also highlights the necessity of conceding the importance to the extralinguistic communication in foreign languages. Therefore, it looks back on the conception of culture and the necessity of “unlearning” the basis of one’s culture, in order to properly understand the rules of the new language. Finally, this study conceives the second language teacher as a mediator in intercultural teaching and concludes that pragmatics is essential to ensure a full competence in any foreign or second language.