Impact of Intercultural Sensitivity and Language Shaming on L2 students: Language Learning Experiences

Author : Anl Dogan, Fatma Aslanturk Altintug

Abstract :This study explores the impact of intercultural sensitivity and language shaming on the language learning experiences of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at a university in North Cyprus. Using qualitative information gathered from semi-structured interviews with 14 students, the study used topic and content analysis to look at the students’ emotional and social experiences. The results showed that there were five main themes: teacher intervention, cultural influence, perceived shame, motivational influences, and experiences of shame. Pronunciation issues and stigma associated with accents were cited by participants as the main causes of language shaming, which frequently results in low self-esteem, elevated anxiety, and disengagement from class activities. It has also been discovered that language shaming deters students’ motivation, and some of them choose to avoidance techniques as a coping mechanism for unfavourable peer responses. Crucially, it seems that cultural sensitivity is protective; exposure to many English dialects and cross-cultural interactions normalises linguistic diversity and lessens behaviours that shame others. These results demonstrate how intricately emotional experiences, cultural sensitivity, and instructional strategies interact to influence student involvement. By stressing the importance of intercultural competency and inclusive pedagogy, the study adds to the expanding corpus of research on emotional variables in second language acquisition. To establish safer, more equal learning environments, it is suggested that the EFL curriculum incorporate a range of linguistic resources, that teachers receive greater training on how to regulate their emotions in the classroom, and that intercultural learning activities be encouraged.

Keywords :Intercultural Sensitivity, Language Shaming, Foreign Language Education, Second Language Learning, L2 Learners, Student Experiences

Conference Name :INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PSYCHOLOGY, LANGUAGE AND TEACHING (ICPLT-25)

Conference Place Edinburgh, UK

Conference Date 1st Oct 2025