You might think that knowing a language means that you understand the culture, but is that really true?
In this blog, we're going to discover why immersing ourselves in culture is not just useful but essential when learning English.
Grab a cuppa, and let's explore this fascinating topic together.
More Than Just Words
When we set out to learn a language, it's easy to think it's all about grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and pronunciation exercises. But there's so much more to it!
Imagine language as a huge iceberg. The words and grammar we learn are just the tip poking out of the water. Beneath the surface lies a vast world of culture, history, and social norms – the true essence of the language.
Understanding culture teaches us how to behave in certain situations. It helps us to avoid making embarrassing mistakes in our professional life. It allows us to participate fully in all the activities of daily life.
Most learners want to sound more like a native speaker, and that’s where culture comes into its own.
There’s a reason why students love learning idioms, it brings them closer to how the language is used in the real world, making connections possible on a more personal level.
If grammar and vocabulary are the foundations of language learning, culture is the glue that joins it together.
A Window to Understanding
Learning about culture opens a window to understanding the 'why' behind the language. Have you ever wondered why certain phrases exist or why English speakers say things a certain way?
Cultural context sheds light on these mysteries. For instance, understanding the significance of tea in British culture can turn a simple phrase like "Let's grab a cuppa" (let’s have a cup of tea together) into a warm invitation to chat and create connections.
Similarly, if a native speaker says, “I’ll put the kettle on”, they mean that they are making tea and have plenty of time to listen to you talk about whatever problem you might have. The idea is that a cup of tea makes everything better!
Avoiding misunderstandings
One of the most important reasons for learning about culture is to avoid making embarrassing mistakes.
Mistakes are normal. Actually, we think they’re great! Mistakes allow us to learn from our errors and improve our skills. Even native speakers make mistakes. How many times have you forgotten a specific word in your first language? Or maybe you started talking about one subject and went off the topic halfway through? These are normal patterns in speech and we have all experienced similar moments.
However, cultural mistakes are often amusing to native speakers and can make learners feel embarrassed or awkward. Let’s look at two countries that share the same language, the UK and the USA.
While British English and American English might seem similar, there are vocabulary differences and pronunciation variations. It’s worth learning the most common problem words to avoid confusion.
It’s hard not to smile when a student tells you,” I went to the theatre at the weekend and I wore my new pants ”.
In British English, we use ‘trousers’. ‘Pants’ are specifically underwear worn by men. American English uses pants. This simple but funny mistake always makes me think of Superman!
Breaking Down Barriers
Getting to grips with cultural difference breaks down barriers and builds bridges. Knowing about traditions, humour, and manners helps you not only to speak English but to truly communicate, sharing your thoughts and emotions more effectively.
Traditionally, British good manners insist on (excessive!) politeness, at all times. This means saying please and thank you, forming an organized queue when waiting for a bus (even if you are the only person at the bus stop!), and saying excuse me if someone is blocking your way.
In Russian culture, for example, the British style of, “Could you possibly open the window, please?” can seem over-the-top and unnecessary. Equally, “open the window”, might sound impolite to the British ear, as we are used to indirect questions to show politeness.
It doesn’t mean that in Russian please and thank you are not required, these sentiments can often be demonstrated in other ways, such as through respectful gestures or polite forms of address. In informal situations, particularly with friends or family, please and thank you are sometimes less common because of the accepted familiarity and closeness of the group.
Non-verbal communication
It’s not just the words that you use. Different cultures have different body language and gestures which can also lead to problems. In some countries, a handshake is the accepted greeting, and even considered a sign of respect. But how firmly should you shake? Too strong and it could be considered aggressive, too light and you might seem less confident.
In other cultures, a bow or slight nod of the head is more appropriate. In some countries, you should consider who you are greeting, for example, is it a man or a woman, an older person, or maybe someone in a higher position than you?
Cultural awareness is essential for effective communication in a range of situations. It allows us to understand when people do things differently from us. We can be more tolerant of others when we understand their values and beliefs. It also gives us a great opportunity to learn new things about ourselves.
Workplace worries
Our workplaces are more cross-cultural than ever. Some companies have now adopted English as their business language to improve communications and lessen the chances of misunderstandings.
Offending someone unintentionally in a social situation is unlikely to have long-lasting effects. But a lack of understanding in your professional life could lead to more serious consequences.
You might be judged, unfairly, as being impolite. A misunderstanding could lead to delays in a business deal. The way you express your ideas in a meeting might seem confident to some, but overly pushy to others.
This Harvard Business Review article identifies three areas where communication can break down; communicating ideas, expressing disagreement, and giving feedback.
This aligns with my own experiences in multilingual classrooms. A Japanese student once told me that direct eye contact during conversation is considered disrespectful in her culture, whereas in the UK it’s seen as a sign of trust and that you are paying attention. It’s easy to see how this alone could be a reason for many misunderstandings!
This British Council article also mentions smiling, and how we address each other (Dr. Mrs, Sir, etc) as potential problem areas. These things may seem small, but they can have serious and expensive consequences.
Walmart discovered this in 2006 when it sold its 85 stores in Germany at a loss of $3 billion. The business model just didn’t work there. Several factors contributed to this failure, but one reason was that German employees felt uncomfortable with the company's working practices.
Workdays at Walmart in America began with motivational chants to boost team spirit. German workers were uncomfortable with this, and were more used to chanting at football matches.
The company also misread the habits of its shoppers. In Germany, people weren’t used to the super-friendly customer service culture. Shoppers found it uncomfortable when they were met by greeters at the entrance, and some customers thought that the smiling staff were flirting with them!
This is just one example of why it’s critical to understand different cultures, expectations, and practices to be successful in international business.
"Language is not just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is."
Noam Chomsky (Linguist and Activist)
Boost Your Confidence
Understanding cultural references and nuances boosts your confidence in using English. Imagine being in a conversation and catching a subtle joke or referencing a popular English idiom. For example, have you ever been asked a simple question like, “What did you think of the new Taylor Swift song? Then felt a sense of surprising joy when you replied, “Hmm, It’s ok, but her music isn’t really my cup of tea.”
These moments make you feel more connected and confident in your language skills. It's like being part of an exclusive club where you finally understand the inside jokes.
Cultural awareness can also help when you’re travelling and visiting other countries. Students who have a wider understanding of culture and customs experience less of a culture shock when experiencing a new environment. It’s easier to adjust to ways of doing things that are different from your own, and it makes the experience more enjoyable, with less chance of misunderstandings.
Enrich Your Learning Experience
Incorporating culture makes learning English a richer, more enjoyable adventure. Instead of dry memorization, you can watch films, listen to music, and read stories that immerse you in the English-speaking world. It's learning without even realising it!
Last week I had the pleasure of going to the theatre in the West End of London to see a show with one of my students and her husband. Until now, they had avoided these experiences, feeling anxious that they wouldn’t understand enough to enjoy the moment.
Seeing their faces after the show proved that understanding is about so much more than words. Music brings people from all backgrounds together and everyone can understand the emotion. The excitement in the audience is contagious and being part of the crowd is a special feeling. Sharing the experience with others creates unforgettable memories that will be talked about long after the show has finished.
Every song, performance, and book is a step closer to understanding the heart of the language.
Practical Tips for Cultural Immersion
Watch and Listen: Explore English media. Watch films, listen to music, and follow English-speaking celebrities or podcasts. Notice the cultural references and try to understand their context. Go to the theatre, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
Read Widely: Explore English literature or news articles. It's a great way to see language and culture in action. Make sure the topic is something that you enjoy. If it isn’t interesting in your language, it won’t be interesting in English!
Ford Learning Tip: If you really want to understand the British and their behaviour, an excellent book is Watching the English by Kate Fox (2014 updated edition).
Connect with Native Speakers: If possible, engage with English speakers. Meet-up groups exist in almost every area nowadays, for every type of intrest, and they can connect you with people. Real conversations are goldmines of cultural insights. If you don’t know where to start, sit in the pub or cafe and observe how people interact. Politely, of course!
Celebrate Cultural Events: Participate in or learn about English-speaking countries' festivals and holidays. Understanding the importance of events like Christmas or Bonfire Night can offer deep cultural insights. This is particularly important if you’re a parent, as your child will learn about these events at school. Many of my students find great joy in watching their children’s faces as they try to hunt for Easter eggs in the garden or dress up in scary costumes at Halloween.
Small Achievements Count
Remember, every bit of cultural knowledge you acquire is a step forward in your language journey.
Did you feel excited when you understood a cultural reference in a movie? Brilliant!
Manage to use a local idiom correctly? That's fantastic!
These small victories are what make learning English a joyous adventure.
Learning in colour
Incorporating culture into your English learning journey is like adding colour to a black-and-white picture. It brings the language to life, making your journey not just about learning to communicate but about connecting on a deeper level. So, let's not just learn English; let's live it, breathe it, and embrace the diverse examples of culture it represents.
Here's to your journey, filled with discovery, connections, and endless cups of tea (or coffee, if that's more your cup of tea)!
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching she loves a good cuppa... to cook, to travel, and to share her passion for learning with others.
