Schumann’s Theory of Second Language Acquisition Lynn W Zimmerman, PhD

Broader Social Context Schumann (1978) –correlation between social factors and language acquisition Specifically social distance between immigrants and members of mainstream society Situations in which the language learner does not feel an affinity for the language or the language community Creates social and psychological distance

Social Distance Distance is greater when there is limited integration of the two cultural groups the minority group is large enough to be self-sufficient the group is very tight-knit the group has characteristics very different from mainstream culture the majority group has negative attitude toward the minority group when the learner intends to stay a short time

Social Distance and Language Acquisition The greater the social distance between minority and mainstream, the less likely minority members are to acquire the mainstream language

Psychological Factors and Language Acquisition Motivation Attitude Culture shock Resentment

Fillmore’s Model To acquire a second language, a person should Join a group Give the impression that you can speak the language Count on your friends for help

Schumann + Krashen Social distance limits opportunities for students to receive the comprehensible input needed for acquisition. Raises the affective filter and prevents input from producing acquisition.

Limitations of Schumann’s Acculturation Hypothesis learners who acculturate learn; those who don’t, don’t not completely supported by research because other factors come into play.

References Freeman, D. & Freeman, Y. (2014). Essential linguistics. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Gass, S. & Selinker, L. (2008). Second language acquisition. NY: Routledge.