ETHNIC AND SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Abstract

This article examines the multifaceted influence of ethnic and sociocultural factors on foreign language acquisition in multicultural educational contexts. It argues that language learning is not merely a cognitive and linguistic process, but a socially constructed phenomenon deeply embedded in cultural identity, values, and interactional norms. The study analyzes how ethnic identity, sociocultural background, and the surrounding communicative environment shape learners’ motivation, anxiety levels, communicative strategies, and overall language proficiency development. Particular attention is given to the role of intercultural competence as a mediating factor in successful language acquisition. The findings suggest that effective foreign language pedagogy must integrate sociocultural awareness and intercultural communication training to optimize learning outcomes.