The Acculturation Model is a theory developed by John Schumann to explain how people from ethnic minority groups—such as immigrants, migrant workers, or their children—learn a second language (L2). This theory suggests that the process of learning a second language is closely tied to the process of acculturation, which is the adaptation to a new culture. Schumann's main idea is that the success of second language learning depends on how much learners integrate into the culture of the target language (TL) community.
What is Acculturation?
Acculturation, in this context, refers to the process of integrating into the target language culture. Schumann argues that the natural learning of a second language happens when learners interact with the majority language community. This type of learning is not planned or formal but occurs naturally through social interactions. Schumann defines acculturation as the "social and psychological integration of the learner with the target language group." In other words, when learners are involved in the culture and daily life of the target language speakers, they are more likely to acquire the second language.
Social and Psychological Distance
Schumann suggests that the rate at which a learner acquires a second language depends not only on formal instruction but also on their social and psychological connection to the target language community. The social distance between the learner's native culture and the target culture can greatly affect language acquisition. If learners feel distant or separate from the target culture, they are less likely to make progress in learning the language.
Social distance refers to how different or similar the learners' original culture is from the target culture. Schumann identifies several factors that contribute to social distance, including:
Social Dominance Patterns: This refers to the relative power or influence of the learners' culture compared to the target culture. If learners' culture is seen as superior or more dominant, they may be less motivated to learn the language because they feel their own language and culture are sufficient. On the other hand, if both cultures are equal, there will be more interaction, which helps language learning.
Integration Strategies: Learners may adopt different strategies for integrating into the target culture. Assimilative learners fully adopt the target culture, abandoning their own. Preservative learners keep their own cultural values while learning the language. Adaptive learners become bicultural, switching between cultures based on the situation. The best condition for language learning is when learners seek to assimilate into the target culture, as this provides more opportunities for language use.
Intended Length of Residency: If learners plan to stay in the target culture for a long time, they are more likely to feel the need to learn the language. The longer the stay, the more motivated they are to acquire the language.
Enclosure: If the learners share social spaces like schools, workplaces, and churches with members of the target language community, they have more chances to interact and practice the language, which benefits their learning.
Attitudes: Positive attitudes between the learners and the target language group improve language acquisition. If learners see the target culture positively, they are more likely to engage with the language and culture.
Cohesiveness: A cohesive native language community, where members do not interact much with the target language community, can limit opportunities for language learning. The smaller and less cohesive the learners’ original group, the more likely they are to engage with the target language group.
Cultural Congruence: When the learners' culture and the target culture are similar, there will be more opportunities for social interaction, making language learning easier.
Size: A larger native language group can isolate learners from the target language group, limiting their chances to interact and learn the language.
In addition to social distance, psychological distance also plays a significant role in language learning. Psychological distance refers to the emotional and mental barriers that learners face when learning a new language. Schumann identifies several factors related to psychological distance:
Ego-permeability: This is the learner’s ability to accept a new identity associated with speaking the target language. Learners who are rigid in their view of their native language and culture may resist adopting a new language identity, making learning more difficult.
Culture Shock: When learners feel disoriented or uncomfortable in the target culture, they may struggle with language acquisition. The more familiar and comfortable learners feel in the new culture, the easier it is for them to learn the language.
Language Shock: Learners may feel embarrassed or silly speaking a new language. If learners experience language shock, they may avoid using the target language, hindering their progress.
Motivation: Motivation plays a critical role in language learning. Learners who are highly motivated to learn a second language are more likely to succeed, as they are more likely to seek opportunities to practice and immerse themselves in the language.
Conclusion
Schumann’s Acculturation Model highlights the importance of social and psychological factors in second language acquisition. Learners who are socially and psychologically closer to the target language community tend to acquire the language more successfully. On the other hand, if learners feel distanced or disconnected from the target culture, their language learning progress may be slower. Therefore, creating positive social interactions and fostering motivation can significantly enhance language learning outcomes.
In essence, second language acquisition is not just about learning vocabulary and grammar; it also involves adapting to a new culture and engaging with its speakers. As Schumann explains, learning a second language is a process of cultural adaptation, where learners adjust their behaviors and worldviews to align with those of the target language community.
No comments:
Post a Comment