Effects of learning culture on English language learning by EFL students at HCMC College of Economics

Abstract : The concept of culture encompasses the way people live, including their customs, attitudes, lifestyles, traditions, beliefs, norms, and values within their society (Brown, 2007). Members of a group are aware of the rules of proper and impolite behavior and understand how to use language in various social situations based on a shared set of values, beliefs, and norms. Consequently, languages are used differently depending on the culture. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Vietnamese students studying English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at HCMC College of Economics on how integrating cultural learning into their English language education influences their learning experience. The research seeks to provide valuable insights into the role of cultural integration in English language education for Vietnamese students. To achieve this, the paper employed quantitative research methods to assess students’ perceptions regarding the importance of incorporating cultural aspects of the English language into their learning process. Additionally, the study examined how the integration of cultural learning impacts the English language proficiency of EFL students. Furthermore, to analyze and interpret the results, the paper recommends employing a qualitative approach, utilizing concepts or findings from previous research to support the data. Based on a population size of 168 students who are third-year English major at Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City. The analysis results indicate that students positively value the importance of culture learning in English learning. Also, there is a strong correlation between students’ perceptions for cultural learning, their cultural knowledge, and their English learning progress.