Psychology of Language Learning

Questions and Answers

What is the result of not overcoming language shock and cultural shock in L2 learning?

Improved motivation to learn

Inability to associate with members of the TL group (correct)

Increased language proficiency

Faster language acquisition

According to Schumann's model, what is a critical factor in L2 learning?

The learner's prior language learning experience

The age of the learner

The intended length of residence in the target language environment (correct)

The availability of language learning resources

What is acculturation according to John H. Schumann?

The process of acquiring a second language

The process of forgetting one's native language

The integration of a second language learner with a target language community/culture (correct)

The study of social-psychology of language acquisition

Which type of motivation is interested in acquiring a second language to meet and communicate with valued members of the target language community?

Integrative motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of assimilation as an integration strategy?

The ELL group gives up its own lifestyle and values and adopts those of the TL group Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological variable is not included in Schumann's model?

Prior learning experience Signup and view all the answers

According to Schumann's Acculturation Model, what determines the degree of second language acquisition?

The degree to which a learner acculturates to the target language group Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ego boundaries in L2 learning?

To determine the learner's readiness to accept a new identity Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of Schumann's model?

It does not specify the combinations and/or levels of social and psychological factors to predict language outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of social institutions on second language acquisition?

The more social institutions shared, the better for language acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that can facilitate L2 learning?

Similarity between the two cultures Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the English Language Learning (ELL) group is inferior to the target language (TL) group?

The ELL group may resist learning the target language Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the ELL group is cohesive?

The ELL group remains separate from the TL group Signup and view all the answers

How many social variables did Schumann propose?

8 social variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of positive attitudes towards each other between the ELL and TL groups?

L2 learning will be easily facilitated Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the ELL group size and intragroup contact?

A larger ELL group leads to more intragroup contact Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acculturation Model by John H. Schumann

Acculturation is the integration of a second language learner with a target language community/culture, acquired from infancy.

8 social variables affect the quality of contact between second language learners and the target language community:
- Social dominance: When the English Language Learning (ELL) group is superior to the target language (TL) group, they may resist learning the target language.
- Assimilation, Preservation, and Adaptation: ELL group's integration strategy with the TL group, influencing language acquisition.
- Social institutions: The more shared institutions between ELL and TL groups, the better conditions for second language acquisition.
- Cohesiveness: A cohesive ELL group tends to remain separate from the TL group.
- Congruence: Similar cultures facilitate social contact and L2 learning.
- Attitude: Positive attitudes between ELL and TL groups facilitate L2 learning.
- Intended length of residence: Longer stays in the target language environment enhance motivation to learn.

Psychological Variables

4 psychological variables affect language acquisition:
- Ego boundaries: L2 learner's readiness to accept a new identity in the target language community.
- Language shock and cultural shock: Overcoming these shocks is essential for language acquisition.
- Motivation: Two types of motivational tendencies:
  - Integrative motivation: Acquiring a second language to communicate with the target language community.
  - (No explicit mention of the second type)

Criticisms of the Acculturation Model

Schumann did not specify the combinations and levels of social and psychological factors to predict language outcome.
The relative significance of each psychological factor is unclear.

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Description

Explore the psychological factors that influence language learning, including cultural similarity, attitudes, and intended length of residence. Quiz your knowledge of the psychological variables that affect L2 learning.