Language, Culture, and Mentality: The Three-Dimensional Axis of Language Studies and Effective Communication

Samson Dodzi Fenuku

Abstract

he field of language studies has increasingly acknowledged the integral roles of cultural competence and mentality in shaping language learning outcomes. However, an examination of the literature reveals that the influence of language, culture, and mentality on language studies and effective communication is not adequately researched. Through the sociocultural theoretical lens, interview responses, and interpretive qualitative thematic analysis, this study researched three underpinning research questions. The findings reveal that cultural scaffolding, characterized by the integration of cultural narratives and practices into language teaching, significantly enhances learning by making it relevant and engaging. On the influence of mentality on language learning, attitudes, beliefs, and the educational environment’s cultural attitudes shape learners’ motivation and engagement. An adaptive mentality, marked by openness and respect for cultural diversity, emerges as crucial for navigating communication barriers, especially in multicultural corporate settings. The analysis further demonstrates that effective communication in such environments requires more than linguistic competence; it demands an understanding of cultural nuances and the flexibility to adapt communication styles accordingly. Language serves as a cultural mediator, facilitating not only the exchange of information but also cultural empathy and understanding.

Keywords

Linguistic comprehension, qualitative approach, Zone of Proximal Development, cross-cultural communication, and sociocultural theory

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Published:

June 27, 2024

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Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 76 – 103, 27.06.2024

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Fenuku, S. D. (2024). Language, Culture, and Mentality: The Three-Dimensional Axis of Language Studies and Effective Communication. Uluslararası Dil Ve Çeviri Çalışmaları Dergisi, 4(1), 76-103.