Perceptions of Chinese Students Regarding the Role of Anglophone Cultures in Study Motivation and the Learning of English

Abstract

Language and culture are intricately linked, and it is believed that the success of learning a language is affected by the culture of the language being learned. This study assesses the perceptions of Chinese students studying at an Anglo-Chinese joint college with regards to whether prior or existing knowledge and/or exposure to Anglophone culture(s) had or would improve their learning and if this also had motivated them to study in this joint college. The findings indicate students perceived a direct correlation between understanding Anglophone culture and the learning of English, and that gaining more knowledge about Anglophone cultures would positively affect their learning of English. However, this was not a significant motivation factor to pursue their higher education studies in the college. Most students stated that learning more about Anglophone cultural social interactions and popular culture would improve their English. Our results suggest the formation of a higher education community of practice among more senior students. As students progress through their course, they refer to their experience at university as their main exposure to Anglophone culture. Therefore, further developing students’ exposure to, and knowledge of, Anglophone culture might have a beneficial impact on their English language skills, student experience and prospects.