Invisible Barriers to Fluency

Helping Advanced Learners Advance

Abstract

This paper examines hidden barriers to fluent and natural communication in English by advanced Japanese speakers of English. The author shows ways in which cultural distance and differences in unconscious elements of social interaction, rather than linguistic elements, can be the greatest barriers for many advanced speakers. These barriers are said to operate out of everyday awareness. Cultural distance between Japan and English-speaking countries is examined in terms of: cultural dominance/subordination, cultural integration, cohesiveness, enclosure, congruence, attitudes, number of speakers and length of residence abroad. Native English speakers, it is argued, are largely unaware of their own cultural attitudes and styles of social interactions and therefore can model but seldom ‘teach’ advanced learns necessary socio-cultural skills.