When we study a foreign language we should also study the culture and lifestyles of that country Some people think when we study a foreign language we should also study the culture and lifestyles of that country. Do you agree or disagree? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My essay: Few people pay attention to the cultures and lifestyles of the foreign countries whose languages they are learning. Some people argue that we can’t neglect that because they are an indispensable part when we studying foreign languages. As a person who is learning a second language, I quite agree with that. Lacking the corresponding cultural atmosphere and driven by the traditional pattern of language tests, the culture and lifestyles of foreign countries are rarely involved in most people’s language learning plans. This incorrect learning style may set up barriers for their further learning and cost them more time and energy than others. What’s worse, the lack of knowledge of the cultures of different countries will give rise to wrong interpretation of the message issued or received and as a result, leading to misunderstandings and prejudice. Many people don’t have a clear understanding about the relation between language and culture and that is the main cause of the neglect of learning of foreign cultures. The functions of a language are not only to help people communicate with each other. More importantly, as a carrier of culture, it conveys the way of life, beliefs and art of a country. In other words, when we learn a foreign language, actually we are more like imitating the way native speakers think and express. Learning a language is always a slow and painstaking process. Focusing only on the language itself will hinder our comprehension of it. Only by studying the culture and lifestyles of that country can we master it more efficiently.