Hibridismo cultural : a influência da língua inglesa na região de Santa Cruz do Sul - RS - Brasil.

Abstract

This thesis consists of an investigation into the influence of English language in the process of cultural hybridity in the region of Santa Cruz do Sul which includes the municipalities of Santa Cruz do Sul, Venâncio Aires and Vera Cruz. The work has an interdisciplinary approach, as it involves historical studies, as well as studies about culture, cultural hybridity and language in its semiological and discursive characters, competing for social interaction. Aligned with the theoretical reference is an empirical study together with a qualitative research, based upon the current theoretical perspective of Cultural Studies. Given the cultural and identity peculiarity of this region, the following research problem arose: how does learning and using English language configure the process of cultural hybridity in the region of Santa Cruz do Sul within the context of regional development? Emanating from the research problem, the general objective was to investigate the learning and use of English language as elements in the process of cultural hybridity and their main contributions within the region of Santa Cruz do Sul. From the main objective, the following specific objectives were elaborated: a) to investigate cultural hybridity and its interconnections; b) to understand the growth of the region of Santa Cruz do Sul, from the perspective of cultural hybridity, c) to analyse the role of language in cultural formation; to, at the end; d) demonstrate how English language has contributed to cultural hybridity in the region of Santa Cruz do Sul. The method used was that of phenomenology-hermeneutics, contributing to the assumption of a reflexive attitude towards the object of study (English language and cultural hybridism in the region of Santa Cruz do Sul). In addition, a data collection was performed through a questionnaire, which was completed by 274 (two hundred and seventy-four) people, with a subsequent qualitative analysis of their answers, as well as numerical projections. This process contributed to the construction of a response based on participants' perceptions. In analysing the trajectory of the study of English, in the last five decades, based on the respondents’ reports, it is perceived that it has had an influence in the development of social, personal and work relationships. It can be said that a new vision has emerged in relation to learning English, and part of this process is because of the establishment of transnational companies and their demand for employees to have a proficiency in English language for mediating economic, social and cultural relationships within the companies. Regarding English language, it is perceived that this is a facilitating element in the process of social interaction, influencing positively the lives of many participants and contributing to cultural hybridity.