Aug 27 – 29, 2026
University of Foreign Language Studies, The University of Danang, Vietnam
Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh timezone
Repositioning English: From Foreign to Second Language

ESL VS. EFL: CULTURAL IDENTITY NEGOTIATION AMONG ENGLISH MAJORS AT HAIPHONG UNIVERSITY (HPUNI)

Not scheduled
45m
Poster Language and Linguistics Posters

Speaker

Quế Nguyễn (Haiphong University)

Description

As Vietnam undergoes a strategic transition in language policy, repositioning English from a Foreign Language (EFL) to a Second Language (ESL), the impact extends beyond pedagogical frameworks into the realm of cultural psychology. This study investigates how English majors at HPUni negotiate their cultural identity amidst this linguistic shift. While the EFL paradigm often positions English as an external academic subject, the ESL transition encourages "linguistic ownership," where English becomes a vital tool for self-expression. Using a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis of student narratives, this research explores the tension between maintaining native heritage and adopting a global persona. Preliminary findings suggest that students do not experience cultural erosion; instead, they engage in "cultural hybridity," utilizing English to re-interpret and project Vietnamese values onto a global stage. The study highlights the emergence of linguistic agency, where students move from being passive learners to active "glocal" citizens. These insights provide significant implications for curriculum developers and educators at HPUni in fostering a learning environment that balances global competence with local cultural integrity.

Biography

Nguyen Thi Que serves as a Lecturer at Haiphong University, Vietnam, specializing in Translation Studies and Intercultural Communication. Her research explores the impact of cultural representations on language acquisition, with a specific focus on bilingual cultural texts and curriculum innovation. An active researcher and teacher trainer, her current projects emphasize integrating translation pedagogy with cultural flow to enhance global competence in English language education.

Affiliate type University

Author

Quế Nguyễn (Haiphong University)

Presentation materials

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