Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key impact of social distance on language learning?
What is a key impact of social distance on language learning?
- It encourages native language use among peers.
- It fosters cultural immersion.
- It enhances the grammatical accuracy of learners.
- It may increase the reluctance to communicate. (correct)
Which of the following best describes culture shock and its effects on language learners?
Which of the following best describes culture shock and its effects on language learners?
- It solely affects vocabulary acquisition.
- It universally enhances language proficiency.
- It can lead to demotivation and decreased engagement in language activities. (correct)
- It has no impact on linguistic skills.
What defines language mastery in the context of fluency?
What defines language mastery in the context of fluency?
- The speed of speaking without hesitation. (correct)
- The ability to translate text accurately.
- The proficiency in writing complex sentences.
- Completing vocabulary exercises accurately.
Which stage of acculturation is characterized by a struggle to negotiate identity in a new culture?
Which stage of acculturation is characterized by a struggle to negotiate identity in a new culture?
What is considered optimal perceived social distance in language learning environments?
What is considered optimal perceived social distance in language learning environments?
Which factor is most likely to significantly affect language learning in adults compared to children?
Which factor is most likely to significantly affect language learning in adults compared to children?
What role do negative attitudes play in language acquisition for older children and adults?
What role do negative attitudes play in language acquisition for older children and adults?
What phenomenon might help older learners overcome their inhibitions when learning a new language in a foreign culture?
What phenomenon might help older learners overcome their inhibitions when learning a new language in a foreign culture?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between acculturation stages and language learning success?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between acculturation stages and language learning success?
How does peer pressure impact language learning among children compared to adults?
How does peer pressure impact language learning among children compared to adults?
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Study Notes
Second Language Acquisition Inhibitions
- Adults often experience inhibitions when learning a second language. These inhibitions appear in classroom settings, where speaking the foreign language can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
- Even in natural settings, the necessity to communicate can sometimes override the inhibitions.
- These inhibitions are related to "ego identification," suggesting that the learner has to acquire a new identity while learning a second language.
The Role of Attitudes
- Negative attitudes towards individuals, languages, or cultures can negatively impact the success of language learning.
- Young children may be less affected by negative attitudes because they are not yet developed enough to form such prejudices.
- As children reach school age, they begin to develop attitudes towards various groups and languages, which can be influenced by their parents, peers, and other adults.
Peer Pressure
- Peer pressure can exert a significant influence on a child’s language learning.
- As children grow older, they become more self-conscious and seek to define their identity, leading to inhibitions about revealing their self-doubt.
- These inhibitions are amplified during puberty, as adolescents undergo significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, requiring them to develop a new identity.
Language Ego
- The language ego—a concept developed by researcher Alexander Guiora—refers to the identity a person develops in relation to the language they speak.
- It's connected to a person’s self-identity as it’s shaped through communicative interactions.
- Adults may struggle to learn a new language because of the language ego, which becomes protective and defensive during puberty.
- The growing and adaptable nature of a child's ego makes acquiring a new language less threatening before puberty.
- Due to the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes of puberty, the language ego becomes protective, clinging to the native language to safeguard the fragile ego.
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