THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL AWARENESS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: PERSPECTIVE OF UNIVERSITY EFL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the influence of cultural awareness in English language learning among EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students at the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design to understand students' experiences and perspectives related to cultural awareness in the English language learning process.The data collection technique was carried out through in-depth interviews with seven students who were selected purposively there is from class a morning is 1 person and b morning there is 6 morning people who ever learning subject intercultural communication in 8 semester. The data collected process is the researchers made questions for students and the researcher interviewed the select students in hybrid manner from face to face until using video call whatsapp. The main data source in this study was students from the English Language Education study program. The results of the study indicate that effect relationship between cultural awareness and language were plays an important role in increasing student good motivation and participation in English language learning. Students who have good cultural awareness tend to be more involved in learning activities and are better able to understand the cultural context related to the language being studied and shown students understand the culture and linguistic is closely interwined and influences each other that help to improve their English language learning. The students believes its imposible learning English without cultural aspect in it, because in fact learning a foreign language its mean learning foreign culture