Influence Of Thai Culture On The English Language Learning Of Students In Phetchabun, Thailand: An Etic Perspective
Abstract
Although English serves as a crucial global lingua franca, effective instruction requires integrating learners' cultural backgrounds to enhance engagement and reduce anxiety. Despite multiple educational reforms, Thailand's English proficiency remains low,
as evidenced by a decline in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index. This study investigated the influence of Thai culture on English language learning in Phetchabun, Thailand, as perceived by foreign English teachers. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 37 foreign English teachers of various nationalities—predominantly Filipino, alongside American, Bhutanese, Canadian, and Irish respondents—most of whom were college graduates with over five years of teaching experience in Thailand. The findings revealed that Thai culture exerts a high impact on English language learning, specifically influencing language instruction, classroom management, language interference, and linguistic competence. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the perceived extent of this cultural influence and the teachers' profile variables. Based on these insights, the study proposes an action plan designed to help educators craft culturally attuned, interactive, and effective instructional strategies, ultimately improving Thai students' language learning experiences and bridging the gap between local cultural norms and global linguistic demands.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Esmeralda Yapas, Vladimir Marie Cabutotan
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