scholarly journals Destination-language acquisition of recently arrived immigrants: Do refugees differ from other immigrants?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-156
Author(s):  
Cornelia Kristen ◽  
Julian Seuring
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Fluency ◽  
General Process ◽  
Early Integration ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Language Exposure ◽  
Recent Immigration

This article describes new immigrants’ levels of destination-language proficiency shortly after taking up residence in Germany. The focus lies on a comparison of refugees from Syria with new arrivals from Italy, Poland, and Turkey, who came as economic immigrants, for family reasons, or as students. The theoretical account builds upon a well-established model of language acquisition, according to which language fluency is a function of exposure, efficiency, and incentives. The empirical study is based on data from the first wave of the ENTRA project (“Recent Immigration Processes and Early Integration Trajectories in Germany”) that covers about 4,600 young adults. The analyses reveal that most individuals improve their proficiency over time. Syrians’ experience a faster learning curve than those of other immigrant groups. The conditions identified as relevant to language fluency largely reflect the findings of previous studies. They indicate that language learning is a general process that, for the most part, does not differ across the four groups. Exposure is the major force driving language acquisition. There are also indications that certain kinds of exposure, such as attending language classes, are especially beneficial for individuals with lower resource endowments. In addition, Syrian refugees profit more than other new arrivals from increased levels of language exposure, such as from taking language courses, pursuing education or being active on the labor market.

scholarly journals The "school of life" : differences in U.S. and Canadian settlement policies and their effect on individual immigrants' experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Laurie Duguay
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Settlement Policies ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Integration Of Immigrants ◽  
Settlement Policy ◽  
National Settlement ◽  
Adult Immigrants

A growing body of literature suggests that language proficiency in the main language of the destination country is one of the most significant factors in the integration of immigrants. This study examines the overall differences in U.S. and Canadian settlement policy, using the provision of language courses as an example of the ways in which adult immigrants are integrated into the host society. Eleven Haitian women in both countries were interviewed to compare the way in which participants accessed key settlement information and resources as well as their language acquisition. The findings reveal that Canadian-based participants were much more likely to cite professional institutions ("formal facilitators") for referrals, whereas American-based particpants were more likely to learn from "informal facilitators." The findings also highlight differences in access and completion rates of language classes. Implications for how national settlement policy affects individual immigrants and their language acquisition are analyzed in the discussion.

scholarly journals The "school of life" : differences in U.S. and Canadian settlement policies and their effect on individual immigrants' experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Laurie Duguay
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Completion Rates ◽  
Settlement Policies ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Integration Of Immigrants ◽  
Settlement Policy ◽  
National Settlement ◽  
Adult Immigrants

A growing body of literature suggests that language proficiency in the main language of the destination country is one of the most significant factors in the integration of immigrants. This study examines the overall differences in U.S. and Canadian settlement policy, using the provision of language courses as an example of the ways in which adult immigrants are integrated into the host society. Eleven Haitian women in both countries were interviewed to compare the way in which participants accessed key settlement information and resources as well as their language acquisition. The findings reveal that Canadian-based participants were much more likely to cite professional institutions ("formal facilitators") for referrals, whereas American-based particpants were more likely to learn from "informal facilitators." The findings also highlight differences in access and completion rates of language classes. Implications for how national settlement policy affects individual immigrants and their language acquisition are analyzed in the discussion.

scholarly journals An Overview of Motivation: The Challenges and the Importance of Motivation for Second Language Acquisition

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Mahdikhani
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Affective Filter ◽  
Strategy Model ◽  
Language Exposure ◽  
Reinforcement Model ◽  
Knowledge Communication

<p>The importance of the learner's attitudes and motivation plays a major role for most psycholinguists, either in a language learning situation or in a second language acquisition context. A quick look at the major theories of language acquisition can be helpful to establish this. Krashen's monitor model argues attitudes and motivation most influential in unconscious language acquisition. The learner's motivational level acts as an affective filter on language intake (Krashen 1981, p. 102). In another model language learning begins when the learner feels motivated to communicate something to someone (see Carroll's conscious reinforcement model, 1981). Reinforcement takes place when the desired end is obtained. Bialystok's strategy model (1978) demonstrates that it can be assumed that learners will seek language exposure only if they feel motivated. Therefore, using their explicit and/or implicit knowledge, communication will take place. This study investigates the challenges and the importance of motivation for second language learning or SL acquisition.</p>

scholarly journals The Struggling English Language Learners: Case Studies of English Language Learning Difficulties in EFL Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 108
Author(s):  
Sultan H. Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Difficulties ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Language Courses

The term &lsquo;struggling language learner&rsquo; is one that is usually ascribed to students who are trying, without much success to master the English language in an academic setting. As a case study, this study was carried out to gain insights into the &lsquo;struggles&rsquo; of the struggling English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Ten students were selected from those with the 20th least percentile in their English language courses. Observation of and discussion with these categories of learners revealed that many language learners had a point at which they began to take learning English language more seriously. In such positive or negative situations, their language learning journey improved therefrom. The findings showed that 80% of the participants believed that their English language proficiency was &lsquo;very good&rsquo;, while 20% of these participants believed that their English language proficiency was &lsquo;average&rsquo;. Also, the findings indicated that there was a statistically significant association (i.e., p &lt; .05) between English language proficiency of the learners and the following observable attributes: willingness to learn for educational purposes; willingness to learn for career development; and students&rsquo; continuation without losing focus. The study proposes a fresh evaluation of the problems faced by EFL struggling learners by bringing to light a multifaceted, meaningful consideration of their learning attitudes from socio-psychological point of view, offering a comprehensive account of these learners and their learning difficulties as well as their attitudes and outlook while taking lessons as freshmen at the university. &nbsp;

scholarly journals The first five days

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-104
Author(s):  
Amanda Romjue
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Educational Culture ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Successes And Challenges

Facilitating lifelong language learning amongst students is a frequently mentioned goal of many language teachers. Teachers want their students to fall in love with the cultures and languages they have dedicated their lives to studying. However, igniting the spark for learning beyond the classroom can be a real challenge. In the current educational culture where motivation for learning is too often focused on extrinsic motivations like passing tests and making good grades, how do teachers redirect students toward intrinsic motivations like a love for learning? Research into various fields of study have provided evidence that it typically takes at least ten years of concerted effort to master most skills. From this premise it stands to reason that in order for language learners to reach higher levels of language proficiency, there is a need to promote learner autonomy that extends learning beyond the language classes students take in schools. Facilitating learner autonomy requires a reconceptualization of the way language classes are structured. Building upon goal theories, task-based language learning, and deep reflection within a transparent learning framework can help to provide students with the skills to continue learning beyond the classroom. This framework can set students on a more self-directed path toward language learning that is both intrinsically motivating and engaging. Throughout my own research and practice I have begun to develop a process to facilitate this type of learning environment for my students. In this paper, I share my own successes and challenges as I spent the first five days of a semester establishing expectations for facilitating learner autonomy.

scholarly journals Reviewing the potential of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) for capturing second language exposure and use

2021 ◽  
pp. 026765832110200
Author(s):  
Henriette L Arndt ◽  
Jonas Granfeldt ◽  
Marianne Gullberg
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Experience Sampling ◽  
Experience Sampling Method ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Language Exposure

Frequent language exposure and use are among the most important conditions for successful language learning, whether in classrooms, during study abroad, or in other informal contexts. Research probing exposure and usage often relies on one-off self-report questionnaires in which participants estimate their typical level of language exposure over extended periods of time, often long after it occurred. This may negatively affect the validity of the resulting data. This article instead explores the potential of methods used in medical and psychological research, variably known as the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), or diary methods. These methods are often combined with electronic and mobile survey applications to elicit self-report assessments at frequent, sometimes randomized intervals. We consider the possibilities of these methods for strengthening research into language exposure and use, second language acquisition more broadly, and study abroad research specifically. The methods have the potential to drastically reduce biases associated with summative recall. Additionally, they enable researchers to collect richer data about how individuals engage with language differently over time, and the contexts in which they do so, thus ultimately contributing to our understanding of individual differences in language acquisition.

scholarly journals Processes of Acquisition a Second Language and Learning a Foreign Language: Terminology Standardisation and Harmonization

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-322
Author(s):  
Oksana Turkevych
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Language Competence

The article analyzes microgroup of terms relating to the process of second language acquisition or foreign language learning (language aptitude, interlanguage, language competence, language performance, language proficiency). The semantics of this group is analyzed and some aspects of normalization (compliance with linguistic and terminological norms) and harmonization (compliance with variants that function in English) are proposed. The difference between the terms of language acquisition and language learning is specified. The author of the article proves the idea that the acquisition of the second language is an unconscious process of producing the language, when a person implicitly assimilates speech samples and produces them intuitively. Learning a foreign language is a conscious process of producing a language when a person explicitly learns speech samples and produces them consciously. Language aptitude denotes the innate ability of a person which develops with the experience of communication, and it is a kind of mechanism that allows the mental and physiological levels to master the language. It is revealed that bilingualism (natural and educational) can be the result of different strategies of language mastering and thus there are various mechanisms for its formation. It is found out that interlanguage is a language that is characterizing a person who learns a new language, and it is the result of the interaction of language systems, rules, norms of native language and the language which is learned. It is dynamic and reflects the appropriate level of language proficiency. The relationship between terms language competence (a set of language knowledge), language performance (production and comprehension of language), and language proficiency (ability of an individual to speak or perform in a language according to the aim of communication) is determined. These terms are at the stage of entry into Ukrainian science.

scholarly journals The Impact of Pictures on Second Language Acquisition

SEEU Review ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-135
Author(s):  
Shejla Tahiri
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The need for worldwide communication has made people learn as many foreign languages as they can in order to be able to send and receive information from all over the world. Realizing this situation, researchers and linguists have carried out a large number of studies in order to find out the best ways for teaching and learning English as a second or foreign language. The terms language learning and language acquisition are not new since in many earlier researches language acquisition is compared to the process of learning the mother tongue whereas language learning is compared to the process when a child learns a second or foreign language. This paper aims to showcase that teaching/learning new vocabulary using pictures is much more effective than the other methods of vocabulary learning. The research also puts emphasis on the language level of learners. It demonstrates that the method of using pictures and illustrations works well with all levels of proficiency and as such, it has brought very useful results. It was carried out at the South East European University (SEEU) in North Macedonia and participants were thirty (30) students from all five Faculties, divided in three different groups based on their language proficiency. Each group consisted of ten (10) students, aged 18 to 22 years. They were of elementary, pre-intermediate and intermediate level of English. The research lasted for six weeks, because the students had to be introduced to six different vocabulary topics. Since the experiment was carried out in a real classroom environment, the target vocabulary topics used for this purpose were chosen from their students’ book. Data were collected in three phases. During the first phase, students were asked to complete a questionnaire, consisting of questions regarding the vocabulary learning methods, mainly vocabulary associated with pictures. In the second phase, they were engaged in real activities in a traditional classroom setting, while in the last phase, at the end of the last session, participants took a quiz that was supposed to provide evidence and additional data about participants’ achievements. It is expected that the findings from this experiment will be useful to current and prospective teachers as they show that the method of pictures and illustrations associating the target vocabulary functions well with different levels.

scholarly journals Fanfiction as an Academic Tool for Advanced Language Fluency: A Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-369
Author(s):  
Surya R, Et. al.
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Language Fluency ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Reading And Writing ◽  
Language Courses

In this globalized world, a thorough grasp of the English language has mushroomed as an inexorable necessity than an obligation. Traditional language learning is often turning out to be an involuntary process, alienating learners and thereby posing bigger challenges to second language teaching. Given the ongoing diversified technological revolution, an informal user-friendly ambience was created, making learning an uncomplicated and stress-free exercise. Digital platforms aid in several ways for learning languages - such as online language courses and special purpose mobile applications. Exposure to the language is vital in the learning process and social media can be of great help here. There is no better choice as a practice ground than social media and its associated forms. Fanfiction forums are the most popular reading and writing communities on the Internet. This paper attempts to throw light on how fanfiction can be useful in the task-based language teaching method for attainment of advanced fluency in reading and writing skills. A looming literary sensation and a source of entertainment, fanfictions of prominent literary works and visual arts are widely read and accepted by masses. This fictional writing can be incorporated into a higher-level language classroom as a learning tool, under the guidance of teachers who are accustomed to this form of writings and are digitally literate. A sample survey was conducted among fan fiction groups to highlight and justify the efficacy of fanfiction in promoting English language learning.

scholarly journals PLE: fatores de legibilidade na retextualização literária

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33283
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Machado ◽  
Anabela Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Literary Texts ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Comprehension Skills ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Foreign Language Courses

The “Literature in Portuguese Foreign Language Teaching” project aims to introduce extensive reading of simplified versions of literary texts (19th-21th century) in the first stage (Beginners Level) of Portuguese as a Foreign Language courses. Using a literature-based approach to language learning as a potential source of cultural input enhances learners’ creativity. During the project’s first phase, we tested a simplified sample of the novel O Senhor Ventura (1943/1985), from Miguel Torga, in the context of formal learning, in order to assess the suitability of the text for this particular language proficiency level. After collecting data and considering students’ needs, we have selected notations and pictures and we have built a questionnaire that will contribute to the improvement of their reading and comprehension skills.

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