Each scenario below includes at least three factors that affect the
students’ language acquisition. Think of the language factors present for each
student. Choose one case, and identify what you see as a positive or negative
force in their English language acquisition abilities. In at least 500 words,
discuss learner issues. How might any of these factors also affect the rate of
language acquisition?
Michael is from South Korea; although he excelled at his grade level, he
does not speak any English. He has come to the United States after his parents
divorced and will be temporarily living with relatives.
Anale was born in Los Angeles. Spanish is the primary language in her home
and neighborhood. Although she has been in school her whole life, she does not
have a literary foundation in her first language (L1), but is motivated to
learn English. Her grandparents say that English is of a higher status, and
encourage her to learn it.
Khalid has recently moved here from Afghanistan and was raised in a culture
in which he is not used to seeing women working. He has a strong foundation in
his L1, but very little exposure to English. He is also very concerned that he
learns the pronunciation of American English, as opposed to British English.
