Recent research indicated that a field dependent cognitive style, often culture-based, can cause problems for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). English language ability and learning styles, and field dependence (FD), and field independence, were tested in 157 adult Korean and Japanese ESL learners in university and community-sponsored classes. More of the Koreans (72.5%) demonstrated FD than did the Japanese (20.8%). More of the community students (73.6%) are field dependent than are the university students (33.3%). More of those who have resided in the United States longer, primarily Korean immigrants, tend to be field dependent. Field independent correlated positively with English language ability and years of education. (Author)