2 Pound Acculturation Theory of Second Language Acquisition
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, The Acculturation Theory, proposed by John Schumann, is a significant framework in
understanding second language acquisition (SLA). It focuses on the link between a learner's
social and psychological integration into the target language (TL) culture and their success in
acquiring the language.
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, 2 AsteriskKey Concepts: 2 Asterisk
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, * 2 AsteriskSocial Distance: 2 Asterisk This refers to the perceived differences between the
learner's culture and the TL culture. Factors influencing social distance include:
, * 2 AsteriskSocial Dominance Patterns: 2 Asterisk The perceived power differences
between the learner's group and the TL group.
, * 2 AsteriskIntegration Strategies: 2 Asterisk Whether the learner chooses to assimilate,
preserve, or adapt to the TL culture.
, * 2 AsteriskEnclosure: 2 Asterisk The level of interaction between the learner's group and
the TL group.
, * 2 AsteriskIntended Length of Residency: 2 Asterisk How long the learner plans to stay in
the TL environment.
, * 2 AsteriskCohesiveness: 2 Asterisk The strength of the learner's connection to their native
language community.
, * 2 AsteriskSize: 2 Asterisk The relative size of the learner's group compared to the TL
group.
, * 2 AsteriskCultural Congruence: 2 Asterisk The level of similarity between the two cultures.
, * 2 AsteriskAttitudes: 2 Asterisk The feelings of the two groups towards each other.
, * 2 AsteriskPsychological Distance: 2 Asterisk This refers to the learner's personal feelings
and attitudes towards the TL culture. Factors influencing psychological distance include:
, * 2 AsteriskLanguage Shock: 2 Asterisk The initial difficulty and frustration experienced by
learners.
, * 2 AsteriskCulture Shock: 2 Asterisk The discomfort and disorientation experienced when
adapting to a new culture.
, * 2 AsteriskMotivation: 2 Asterisk The learner's desire and willingness to learn the
language.
, * 2 AsteriskEgo Permeability: 2 Asterisk The learner's openness to new experiences and
ways of thinking.
, * 2 AsteriskEmpathy: 2 Asterisk The learner's ability to understand and share the feelings of
others.
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, 2 AsteriskMain Proposition: 2 Asterisk
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, The theory proposes that the more a learner identifies with and integrates into the TL culture,
the greater their success in acquiring the language. Learners who experience less social and
psychological
distance are more likely to be motivated, have access to language learning opportunities, and
receive positive feedback from native speakers.
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, 2 AsteriskStrengths: 2 Asterisk
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, * Explains individual differences in SLA.
, * Highlights the importance of social and psychological factors.
, * Provides a framework for understanding the impact of cultural differences.
, * Offers insights into designing effective language learning programs.
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, 2 AsteriskCriticisms: 2 Asterisk
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, * Difficult to operationalize and measure social and psychological distance.
, * May not be applicable to all learners and contexts.
, * Ignores the role of individual differences in language learning aptitude.
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, 2 AsteriskImplications for Language Learning: 2 Asterisk
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, * Learners who want to improve their second language skills should focus on integrating into
the TL culture.
, * Language teachers can create learning environments that promote cultural understanding
and interaction.
, * Educational policies should support programs that help learners overcome social and
psychological barriers to language acquisition.
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, 2 AsteriskAdditional Resources: 2 Asterisk
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, * Schumann, J. H. (1986). Acculturation theory in second language acquisition. In R. M. Clark,
E. E. Platt, & TA Smith (Eds.), Second language acquisition: A state-of-the-art book (pp.
141-155). Springer.
, * Garcia, O., & Baker, C. (2007). Bilingual education: An empirical research synthesis.
Routledge.
, * Hammer, M. R., & Van der Leij, A. (2012). The Routledge handbook of language and identity.
Routledge.
