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Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMSS 2023
Volume 23 (2023)
69
The Impact of the Learning Environment on English Language
Learning
Jiani Zhang*
College of Liberal Arts and Law, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
*Corresponding author: jnzhang2002@outlook.com
Abstract. English is one of the world's most widely used languages, with a wide range of applications
and important social values. With the accelerating process of globalization, mastering English has
become an important ability for individuals and countries. Therefore, the study of English learning
has been attracting much attention. However, it is not enough to rely on classroom teaching alone,
and the influence of the learning environment on English learning is also crucial. The purpose of this
paper is to explore the influence of learning environment on English learning. The learning
environment includes physical, social and cultural environments. Through the review of related
literature and the analysis of empirical studies, it is found that the learning environment has a
significant impact on English learning.
Keywords: learning environment, physical environment, socio-cultural environment, impact on
learning.
1. Introduction
The learning environment refers to the physical, social, and cultural environment in which learners
learn. For English learners, the quality of the learning environment has a significant impact on their
learning outcomes. A good learning environment can improve learners' learning effectiveness and
motivation and promote the positive development of English learning. The study of the learning
environment can help students and parents better understand the impact of the learning environment
on English language learning and provide them with strategies and methods to improve the learning
environment. Second, educational policy makers can use the results of this study to optimize the
teaching and learning environments in schools and provide conditions and resources that are more
conducive to English learning. In addition, this study can provide new perspectives and theoretical
foundations for the field of educational research and promote more in-depth studies on the
relationship between learning environments and English language learning.
2. Influence of Physical Environment on English Learning
Learning environment has a direct impact on the learning effect of English learners. A suitable
learning environment helps learners to concentrate and improve their learning efficiency [1]. At the
same time, it can also make learners feel relaxed and happy, which is conducive to a positive learning
experience. The learning environment at the physical level includes: the quietness of the learning
place, the comfort level, learning resources and facilities, and so on.
First of all, the quietness of the learning place has a direct impact on learning. A quiet learning
environment helps students to concentrate and improve their learning. On the contrary, too much
noise interferes with students' thinking and concentration and reduces learning efficiency. Studies
have shown that noise negatively affects students' learning memory and information processing
ability, so providing a quiet learning place is crucial for learners.
And the comfort level of the learning place also has a significant impact on the learning of English.
A comfortable learning environment can be relaxing and enjoyable for students and is conducive to
a positive learning experience. Comfortable seating, appropriate temperature and adequate lighting
are all elements that provide a good learning environment. In addition, the atmosphere of the learning
Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMSS 2023
Volume 23 (2023)
70
place also has an impact on the mood and motivation of the learner. A positive learning atmosphere
stimulates students' interest in learning and promotes active learning.
Learning resources and facilities also have a multifaceted impact on the learning of English.
Adequate learning resources such as library collections, computers, and Internet connections can meet
students' learning needs and provide diverse learning materials and tools. In addition, modern learning
facilities, such as multimedia classrooms, laboratories, and studios, can provide richer learning
experiences and more efficient ways of learning [2].
Not only that, but learning places also provide opportunities for students to interact and collaborate
with peers and teachers. Students can discuss problems, share knowledge and learn collaboratively
with other students in the learning place. This social learning environment helps to develop students'
cooperation, communication and teamwork skills and promotes their learning outcomes.
The impact of the learning environment on learning is obvious. A learning place that is quiet,
comfortable, provides rich learning resources and promotes social learning can improve students'
learning effectiveness and motivation [3]. In educational practice, the construction of learning places
are necessary to provide students with good learning conditions to facilitate their learning
development. In addition, the design and management of learning places should also consider
students' needs and learning concepts to provide them with the best learning environment.
3. Impact of the social environment on English language learning
The social environment is the social and interpersonal context in which learners find themselves
during the learning process. For English learners, the quality of the social environment has a
significant impact on their learning outcomes and experiences. A positive and supportive social
environment can stimulate learners' motivation to learn and promote the positive development of their
English learning. The impact of the social environment on learning is mainly reflected in the
following aspects.
The first is that the unequal distribution of learning resources and opportunities in the social
environment can have an impact on English language learners. Learners in developed regions may
have easier access to high-quality English language materials, quality teaching institutions, and rich
learning activities [4], while Learners in developing regions may face a lack of resources and limited
learning opportunities, which may lead to significant differences in learning conditions and outcomes
of English learning.
Furthermore, the degree of recognition of English language learning and related employment
opportunities in the social environment can also affect learners' motivation and learning outcomes. In
some societies, mastery of English is regarded as an important skill that can lead to more employment
opportunities and social status. Such differences in social recognition and employment opportunities
may affect the importance and commitment of learners to English language learning.
Secondly, the learning atmosphere and support in the social environment have an impact on
English learners' learning. A positive learning climate and supportive social environment can
motivate learners and provide a favorable learning atmosphere and learning conditions. For example,
a culture in which education and learning are valued in a society will make learners more motivated
to learn English and be able to receive support from their families, schools, and society. The presence
of learning partners in the English learning environment has a positive impact on the improvement of
English speaking and communication skills [5]. Peer interaction can also stimulate learners'
motivation to learn, promote cooperation and competition among learners, and improve the
effectiveness of learning. Through communication and interaction with peers, learners can exercise
their oral expression skills and enhance their understanding and use of language. Research has shown
that positive peer interaction helps to improve learners' English speaking ability and listening
comprehension [6].
Moreover, a good teacher-student relationship in the learning environment has a positive impact
on English learners' motivation and learning achievement. Good interaction and communication
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EMSS 2023
Volume 23 (2023)
71
between teachers and students can build learners' confidence and self-confidence in learning, enhance
learners' motivation, and promote learners' active participation and engagement. At the same time,
the interaction between teachers and students can also provide personalized guidance and feedback
to help learners overcome difficulties and improve learning outcomes [7].
Social environment plays an important role in influencing English learning. A positive social
environment can increase learners' motivation and learning achievement and promote the positive
development of English learning. In order to optimize the social environment, educators and policy
makers should pay attention to the construction of the social environment, encourage peer interaction
and teacher-student interaction, create a good learning atmosphere and social atmosphere, and
provide students with good learning conditions.
4. Influence of Cultural Environment on English Learning
The cultural environment refers to the cultural context and learning atmosphere in which learners
live. For English learners, the atmosphere and quality of culture have a significant impact on their
English learning outcomes and experiences. A positive cultural climate can provide learners with
opportunities and resources to learn English and enhance their motivation and interest in learning. At
the same time, a cultural atmosphere can also promote learners' understanding of and respect for
English culture and improve their cross-cultural communication skills.
Cultural environments are differentiated and learners from different cultural backgrounds may face
different learning challenges and needs [8]. Differences in cultural backgrounds may affect learners'
understanding and acceptance of the English language and culture. Different ELLs come from
different linguistic backgrounds with differences in their native language and phonology,
grammatical structures, vocabulary, and so on. This variability in linguistic backgrounds can have an
impact on English learners' language acquisition and language transfer. Native Chinese learners may
have difficulty pronouncing some phonemes correctly in English, such as the distinction between /r/
and /l/. Native Spanish learners, on the other hand, may have difficulty pronouncing the clear /s/
sound in English. These differences may affect learners' oral expression and listening comprehension.
There are also differences in the grammatical and syntactic structure of English among learners
from different language backgrounds. For example, native Japanese learners may omit or place the
subject, whereas English requires the subject to be clearly expressed. Native Russian learners may
have difficulty using articles and tenses. These differences may cause learners to make errors in their
English writing and grammar usage.
Not only that, when English learners come from different sociocultural backgrounds, there are
differences in their values, beliefs, customs and social behaviors [9]. This difference in socio-cultural
background affects their understanding and acceptance of the English language and culture, making
them differ in their English expressions and cultural values as well. For example, in Asian cultures,
respect for the individual and humility are important values, so Asian learners may be more polite
and indirect in their expressions in English. Whereas in Western cultures, direct and clear expressions
are preferred. This difference may lead to learners' misunderstanding or discomfort in cross-cultural
communication [10].
As for the methods of learning, learners from different cultural and educational backgrounds also
have great differences in learning strategies and learning habits. For example, Asian learners of
English may pay more attention to memorization and imitation, while European and American
learners may pay more attention to exploration and self-directed learning, and this difference may
affect learners' learning effectiveness and choice of learning methods.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, English learning is not only the learning of language skills, but also the cultivation
of intercultural communicative competence. Cultural environment has an important influence on the
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EMSS 2023
Volume 23 (2023)
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cultivation of intercultural communicative competence. A positive cultural environment can provide
learners with opportunities to communicate and cooperate with people from other cultural
backgrounds, help them understand and respect the differences between different cultures, and
develop intercultural communicative competence, while a positive cultural environment helps to
improve learners' intercultural communicative competence and cultural sensitivity.
Through a review of related literature, it is found that the comfort, quietness and tidiness of the
physical environment play an important role in English language learning and help students improve
their learning efficiency and concentration. The positive, supportive and cooperative nature of the
social environment also has a positive impact on English language learning by facilitating language
communication and strengthening students' motivation to learn. The cultural environment, on the
other hand, affects students' attitudes and goals towards English language learning, which can be
differently affected by different cultural contexts. In conclusion, the learning environment has a
significant impact on English learning, and that creating a comfortable, quiet, and clean learning
environment, establishing a positive and interactive social environment, and providing a cultural
environment related to English learning can promote students' English learning effectiveness and
motivation. Future research could further explore in depth the impact of the learning environment on
English learning and consider the combined effects of other potential factors in the physical, social,
and cultural environments, which would help provide more specific and comprehensive guidance to
promote the optimization and enhancement of the English learning environment.
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