Developing and Validating a Model for English Learners’ Cultural Identity: Using their Perceptions and Attitudes

Knowing a language and communicating with the speakers of that language requires learning about the culture of the native speakers of that language. The aim of this study was to develop a validated model of cultural identity among Iranian English learners. Initially, it was attempted to determine different factors of cultural identity based on the learners’ perceptions about cultural identity to develop a model. Thus, 20 EFL learners studying at Safir Language Academy in Tehran were interviewed about their cultural identity and their attitudes were recorded. Considering the qualitative phase, a close inspection of the responses of these learners in the interviews and going through the three stages of open, axial, and selective coding, the four factors of religion, culture, nationality, and language were extracted. Consequently, a questionnaire indicating factors of cultural identity was constructed. In the quantitative phase, the questionnaire underwent an exploratory factor analysis for the sake of validity and, after a pilot study with 183 learners, 384 EFL learners filled it out. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was also run through LISREL 8.8. to confirm that the proposed model enjoyed validity for future research by running a confirmatory factor analysis and the model of cultural identity was developed. The findings of this study may be employed by English teachers and materials developers to be prepared to help the learners with possible challenges in English classes.