Why do learners tend to essentialize German grammar as culturally different

Learners tend to essentialize German grammar as culturally different because they perceive the grammar as embodying stable, distinctive traits that separate German from their native languages, especially English. Research with college-level learners of German has shown that students often construct essential differences between German and English grammar that emphasize features they find important or striking. This essentialization reduces the complex, living nature of German language to a set of fixed, culturally marked grammatical traits that feel distinct and somewhat alien to learners. Such perceptions are tied to affective responses and a sense of disorientation regarding the systemic and cultural aspects of German grammar.

This phenomenon reflects learners’ broader views of the target culture, where grammar is not just a set of linguistic rules but also a symbol of cultural otherness and identity. Additionally, learners may struggle to see German as a “real” language in the same way as their native tongue, partly due to cognitive and emotional factors that lead them to essentialize its grammar. This has been interpreted as a need for both curricular reform and a shift in mindset among learners and educators, aiming to move beyond simplistic or stereotyped views of German grammar toward a more nuanced, functional understanding of the language as a dynamic cultural and communicative system.

In summary, the essentialization arises from learners’ tendencies to view German grammar as embodying fixed, culturally particular traits that differentiate it from their native language, influenced by emotional responses and challenges in relating to systemic and socio-cultural dimensions of the language. This insight calls for educational approaches that address these perceptions and foster a more integrated view of grammar learning and cultural understanding.

References

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