Whether you learn a language for pleasure, because of work, or to expand your horizons, you cannot skip the culture of the country (or countries) in which the language is used. Language is a great part of culture – when you don’t understand one side of the equation, you will not be able to understand the other part. George Garcia, the face behind Lingomee, shared with us why cultural understanding is so important while learning a language.
Culture Can Make You More Interested in Learning a Language
Some people start learning a language solely because they are interested in the culture of a particular country. If that is not your case, you should get more interested in this. When you know how people live, how they behave, and so on, it gives language a more human side. Because of that, you might feel hooked and keep up with the learning process.
For example, people who love Italian food can find learning the language more interesting because they would like to learn more about the cuisine and be able to discuss the food with others.
When you feel a deeper reason behind the language, you gain a new perspective that motivates you to study or even make the whole process faster.
It Helps You to Avoid Misunderstandings
When you know the cultural context, you can avoid many misunderstandings. Some behaviors or even words can be adaptable in one culture, while in others they can be considered vulgar or insulting. When you learn about culture, you also better understand how to behave.
You should also think about various places where a language is used. For instance, English-speaking culture in Great Britain is different from English-speaking culture in the United States or Australia. This is why it is good to know which variant you want to learn.
If you are learning European Spanish but now you need to go to work in Latin America, be sure that you learn more about the particular country you are going to, its customs, and the language differences. If you are going to say that someone is “boludo” in Mexico, you give a compliment, saying that a person is great. But if you use the same word in Argentina, you can get into trouble for calling someone stupid!
Remember that language is dynamic. It can change constantly, and people give new meanings to words or even create new vocabulary. If you want to stay on top of your language learning game, take culture into consideration.
It Can Help You Understand Idioms Better
Learning idioms can be challenging for beginners in a language. These expressions are deeply intertwined with a language’s history, cultural elements, and even specific aspects like seasons or weather. While not all native speakers may know the origins of every idiom, delving into a country’s culture can greatly enhance understanding of these sayings. By immersing oneself in the cultural context, learners can grasp the underlying meanings and usage of idioms more effectively. This knowledge not only facilitates comprehension but also enables learners to express themselves more fluently and authentically in the target language.
