A study of ESL learners done by Joy Reid (1987) shows that there are some cross-cultural differences in learning styles. Based on her study, it was found that:

  • Korean students were more visually orientated than English-speaking Americans
  • Japanese students were the least auditory (compared to Chinese and Arabic learners)

Learning styles are also influenced by:

  • Gender (male / female)
  • Length of time in the new country
  • Field of study (if involved in academia)
  • Level of education

Thus, while culture may play a role, it is not the only determining factor.

H. Douglas Brown, Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (4 th edition). (White Plains, NY: Pearson Education, 1999), p. 122. Reprinted by permission of Pearson Education.