Investigating Three Intercultural Factors Leading To Communication Failure In The "Mind Your Language" Sitcoms

Research on intercultural communication has long been recognized as crucial to the success of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. One of the central concerns in this field is the presence of barriers created by intercultural factors, which often lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. This study investigates how stereotypes, ethnocentrism, and prejudice hinder international students’ ability to interact effectively in English classes, using seasons 1 and 2 of the sitcoms Mind Your Language as a contextual framework. The research design is descriptive, with students assuming the roles of characters from the series to simulate authentic intercultural encounters. A passive observational approach was employed, allowing qualitative interpretation of the episodes in terms of their similarities to real-world cultural challenges. The analysis revealed that numerous intercultural factors negatively affected learners’ cognitive abilities, particularly in language processing and adaptation to diverse communicative norms. These findings highlight the importance of addressing cultural barriers in EFL classrooms to foster inclusivity and mutual understanding. The study concludes with recommendations for teaching and learning English in Vietnam, emphasizing strategies that foster cultural awareness, reduce prejudice, and enhance learners’ communicative competence in multicultural settings.