"Q - When learning a foreign language, how important is to learn about the cultural elements where the language is spoken? Research the topic. Give real life examples?

A - When we learning another language, I think it is important is to learn about the cultural elements where the language spoken. Learning another language is one thing but to understand that particular language is a whole different story. "Language learners need to be aware, for example, of the culturally appropriate way to address people, express gratitude, make requests, and agree or disagree with someone (Peterson and Coltrane, 2003). Another example, the Vietnamese common man is expected to show respect to people who are senior to him in age, status, or position. At home, he should show respect to his parents, older sibling, and older relatives. Outside the family, respect should be paid to elderly people, teacher, clergymen, supervisors and employers and people in high position; however, the Vietnamese common man also expects other people to show respect to him, by virtue of his age, status or position.

Furthermore, respect is gained by leading a virtuous life, by accomplishing certain heroic deeds by achieving a high degree of intellectuality and I am sure every culture has its own unique way (Vietnamese Culture, 2012).
I am currently running a family business in Kansas City, and especially at work I get to meeting people from all over the world. For example, when talking to elderly Vietnamese person, you are not allow to make eyes contact and when talk to most Westerners you are require to make eyes contact otherwise you show a sign of disrespect or careless. There are thousands of cultures in the world and it's important to learn and understand different than its own.

Question -Provide a meaningful response to the answer above.

Criteria - No word limit and no page requirement.

Reference:
Vietnam-Culture.co.(2012). The Vietnamese Value System".Vietnam-Culture.com.(Retrieved 2012, February 1).