Analyzing the Negative Impacts of Culture Shock in EFL Education

This essay explores the negative impacts of culture shock on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education for foreign nationals. It highlights how cultural differences can create barriers to language learning, leading to psychological distress, reduced motivation, and decreased attention levels. The essay emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to facilitate EFL learning and underscores the role of social identity and cultural adaptation in promoting positive outcomes. The author references key studies that support the argument that culture shock acts as a significant obstacle, emphasizing the need to mitigate its effects to create a healthier and more effective learning environment for foreign nationals. The essay concludes by advocating for strategies to support EFL learners in navigating cultural differences and improving their language acquisition.

Running head: CULTURE SHOCK IN EFL EDUCATION
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CULTURE SHOCK IN EFL EDUCATION FOR FOREIGN
NATIONALS.
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CULTURE SHOCK IN EFL EDUCATION
One of the most important aspects of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) education for
foreign nationals is that it promotes English Language Learning in a more practical context for
them. For foreign nationals who come from a non – English speaking background, learning how
to speak and interact in English with the local people becomes important to experience the
nuances of the host nation in detail (Gebhard, 2012). However, there have been some research
with respect to the foreign nationals who have moved to a predominantly English speaking
nation for a longer period of time and are in need of English language education, but are unable
to do so because of the cultural differences that are acting as a barrier. This essay looks at those
elements of cultural nuances or culture shock, and how it acts as a potential barrier for the
English language learning for people of foreign nationalities.
Culture shock happens when a person belonging to a different cultural background and
national identity, moves to a different country either for the purpose of higher education, or job
or any other engagement that requires them to stay for a significantly long time, and are
challenged with a culture and tradition so different from their own that they face serious issues in
adapting to the host culture (Saylag, 2014). While this might seem like a cultural learning
opportunity, for the foreign nationals, it can be a cause of serious concern as research suggests
that culture shock can lead to the development of several issues pertaining to mental wellbeing
including feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, disengagement with social relationships and
lack of ability to function properly (Saylag, 2014).
Culture shock and its associated implications can be a demotivating factor for EFL
learning for foreign nationals. One of the key factors that promote EFL learning amongst the
foreign nationals is the conversational requirement of English. Foreign nationals are required to
hold conversations in English for carrying out their daily activities like visiting some place,

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doing their grocery shopping, ordering at a restaurant etc. (Yen, 2014). Saylag (2014) explains
that with the increase in psychological distress that the foreign nationals face, there is a gradual
decrease in the level of motivation and attention levels that promote learning. Once these factors
are down, it becomes quite difficult for the foreign nationals to be able to focus on their studying
and language learning without first addressing these issues (Gebhard, 2012).
Social identity and adaptation with the host nation culture can act as a potential boost for
EFL learning. One of the most disastrous outcomes of a culture shock is the alienation of an
individual from his native culture. It has been seen that boosting the cultural acceptance and
identify of the individual can be significantly helpful in promoting his EFL learning outcomes
(Saylag, 2014).
In conclusion, it can be stated that the aspect of culture shock acts as a significant barrier
when it comes to promoting EFL learning among the people of foreign nationals. It leads to the
development of certain social and psychological issues that acts against the learning outcomes.
However, ensuring that these issues are well taken care of, can promote a healthy EFL learning
for them.

3CULTURE SHOCK IN EFL EDUCATION
References.
Gebhard, J. G. (2013). EFL learners studying abroad: Challenges and strategies. Asian EFL
Journal, 15(3), 155-182.
Saylag, R. (2014). Culture Shock an obstacle for EFL learners. Procedia-Social and Behavioral
Sciences, 114, 533-537.
Yến, V. T. H. (2014). Cultural Differences: A Barrier to Native English Teachers in English as a
Foreign Language Contexts. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies, 30(1).