Language AcquisitionMicrosocial and Macrosocial

factors in L2 Learning

Maria Fernanda Dávalos A.

Microsocial Factors L2 Variation

L2 learner language is variable May occur: in vocabulary, syntax, morphology,

discourse or phonology Variability depens on communicative contexts:

Linguistic (language) Psychological (attention) or Microsocial (situations)

Accomodation theory occurs when speaker unconciously changes pronunciation or grammar

Interaction as genesis of language Learning is a social process and interaction

is necessary. Interpersonal interaction occurs between

people: ZPD, scaffolding Intrapersonal interaction occurs within an

individual’s own mind: decodification, use of L1 knowledge,private and inner speech

Input and interaction Input is crucial in language learning process Input modifications occur by native

speakers to L2 learners (foreigner talk). Simplification may occur in written and oral

communication Interactional modifications include:

repetition, paraphrase,expansion, sentence completion, frame ans substitution, vertical construction, comprhension check

Macrosocial Factors

Global & Natioal Status of L1 and L2

Boundaries and Identities

Institutional forces and Constraints

Social categories

Circusntances of Learning

Languages have power and status at global and national levels for symbolical and practical reasons. An official or dominant language might shift because of migration, conquestor major political changes.Nation borders are often language barriers, they may unify speakers and exclude outsiders. Sometimes it is necessary : Acculturation learning about the new culture, behaviors and values.

Might affect the use and knowledge of L2 in relation to social control, political and religious practices, economic and educational opportunites.

People are categorized according to many social dimensions: age, sex, ethnicity, education level, occupation, economic status. These categories might influence their learning conditions of a second language.

Learners’ previous experiences influence L2 learning: informal or formal instruction, field dependent or independent cognitive sytles,