What can hinder students' comprehension due to cultural differences?

Cultural differences can significantly impact students' comprehension, particularly when they lack the necessary cultural and geographical background to fully understand the context of the material being presented. This background includes knowledge of specific cultural norms, value systems, historical contexts, and even local references that may be taken for granted by those who are familiar with the culture being studied.

When students lack this essential background, they may struggle to relate to the material, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. For instance, a lesson that includes idiomatic expressions, historical references, or culturally specific examples might be completely lost on someone who does not share that cultural context. This can create barriers to effective learning and engagement, as comprehension relies not only on language skills but also on a rich understanding of the cultural nuances surrounding that language.

In contrast, familiarity with classroom dynamics, common phrases and terminology, and basic reading and writing skills may contribute to students' capabilities in the classroom, but they do not directly address the foundational cultural knowledge that is necessary for deeper understanding and meaningful engagement with the content.