Acculturation

.... different groups adapting to the beliefs and behaviours of each other
(Berry, 1997)

Schumann (1978)

Alberto

Acculturation

... the social and psychological integration of the learner with the target language group

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ACCULTURATION
RESEARCH

macro level (group)
micro level (individual)
internal level (identity)

MACRO LEVEL

Brown (1980) 4 stages of acculturation

- eurphoria, culture shock, gradual recovery, full recovery


Berry (1987) Acculturation attitudes

- integration, assimilation, separation, marginalisation

MICRO LEVEL

Milroy (1980) Social Network Theory (SNT)
- analysed learners 1st order and 2nd order contacts


Lybeck (2002) - SNT & AM
- greater social networks led to acculturation and success in L2
- acculturation "two way street" concerning attitudes and behaviours of BOTH groups

INTERNAL LEVEL

Norton Pierce (1995) Identity and Investment

- identity changes over time and location in relation to social context

- investment explains whether a learner chooses to remain silent or not
-Eva ...

Co-worker to Eva:
"How come you don't know him?
Don't you watch TV?
That's Bart Simpson!"

IDENTITY

• Identity is diverse, dynamic
• Identity as site of struggle: Eva felt 'stupid', stopped using L2
• Identity as changeable: BUT Eva had to use L2 as mother figure (on phone, with teachers, doctor)

Norton Pierce (1998):

Theories of acculturation in SLA do not pay sufficient attention to inequitable relations of power that exist between L2 and TL speakers.

Despite their investment, L2 learners may have little opportunity to interact with TL speakers to improve the learning.

Implications for the Classroom

Some suggestions...

• Develop curricula that address students realities (problem w textbooks)
• Create dilemmas and topics for discussion that relate to student everyday lives
• Learn about students' identities (I wish my teacher knew ....)

Untitled Slide

Develop curricula that addresses students' realities (problem with textbooks)

Create dilemmas and topics for discussion that relate to students' everyday lives

Learn about students' identities
(If wish my teacher knew ...)