Sociocultural Factors in 2nd Language Acquisition

Question 1

Cultural Influences on Assessment

Answer 1

• Cooperation vs. competition
• Time
• Proximity
• Touching
• Eye contact
• Verbal vs. Nonverbal Comm.
• Fate vs. Individual responsibility
• Indvidiual vs. Collective Orientation
• Gender

Question 2

How culture affects communication

Answer 2

Nonverbal Communication:

• Proxemics
• Eye contact
• Facial expressions of emotion
• Head nodding

Question 3

Individual differences that affect L2

Answer 3

• Language aptitude
• Motivation
• Affective disposition
• Formal education in L1 and L2

Question 4

Least-Biased Assessment

Answer 4

1. Tests are normed on majority culture
2. Tests aren’t available in student’s language
3. Spanish speakers are a very heterogenous group
4. 5.

Question 5

How to Reduce Bias

Answer 5

Develop tests that are linguistically and culturally appropriate

Modify existing tests to reflect language use that is more cultural valid

Collect local norms

Use an interpreter to translate and administer existing test

Use informal assessment practices

Question 6

Strategies for Evaluation

Answer 6

Increase knowledge and awareness of cultural and linguistic patterns

Determine level of acculturation

Control for cultural variables

Determin the languages used in testing

Use of interpreters

Question 7

Comprehensive Assessment for LCD students

Answer 7

LCD

Naturalistic environmental observations

proficiency testing

Informal Assessment

Formal assessment

Case History

Dynamic, ongoing assessment

Question 8

Disorder vs. Difference

Answer 8

Comprehensive assessment allows one to determine disorder vs. differences