Language and culture, cohesive elements? A perspective from the learner of an L2 or LE, in Honduras

Abstract

This study focused on the influence of culture in the teaching-learning processes of second or foreign languages. The objectives were: to determine if there is an incorporation of the cultural component in the language teaching-learning process, to describe the process of insertion of the cultural component in language teaching-learning, and finally, to reveal if language learning is more feasible when there is linguistic and cultural immersion. The research was conducted with 30 students who studied a second or other language in Honduras, belonging to three universities in the country: Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano (EAP), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) and Universidad Pedagógica Nacional “Francisco Morazán” (UPNFM). Information was collected through a questionnaire guide and life histories, through stories. It was determined that there is contact with cultural references when learning a second or foreign language. On the one hand, a more communicative component with interactions with native speakers, academic and cultural participation; on the other hand, in a more personal way, related to cultural materials such as books, films, music, traditions, customs and gastronomy. Indeed, learning a new language is more feasible when there is simultaneous linguistic and cultural immersion.