Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions in Relation to Learning Behaviours and Learning Styles: A Critical Analysis of Studies under Different Cultural and Language Learning Environments

This review is aimed at exploring the association between the two aspects of Hofstede's model i.e. cultural dimensions with language learning behaviours and learning styles under different cultural contexts and learning environments. Although there are many models of cultural dimensions, Hofstede's model has been selected for this study because of its relatively high popularity. The language learning environments discussed in this study include a vast number of types of learning such as the classroom, online, web-based, self-directed, blended and mobile learning. Further, cultural contexts of single, dual or more than two countries are included here. Available literature on the reviewed topic has been selected using Google Scholar as the main search engine with suitable search terms and periods of searches to ensure the availability of maximum number of research reports. Generally, power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity /femininity and to a lesser extent, orientation, either in the long term or the short term, have been associated with cultural dimensions, learning styles and behaviours. Kolb's (2005) is the most accepted learning styles' categorisation. Differences in cultures of nations have been found to be relevant to the learning behaviours and styles in a number of studies. The relationship of the above four dimensions in the case of single or multiple nations have been described by several authors. The relationship of cultural dimensions with language learning environments like classroom, online, web-based and self-directed have been studied. Most studies were on online learning environments. However, there is lack of studies on learning styles in online environments and their relationship to the cultural dimensions, and hence, there should be more studies on this aspect. Even after reviewing a large number of studies the question remains: Are we ready with a definite answer on what approaches are required to motivate learners to adopt specific learning styles in specific cultural contexts for most beneficial learning outcomes to them?