Part Two: The Theory of Second Language Acquisition

Stages of Adaptation for English Language Learners

Initial Stage or sometimes called "Honeymoon Stage"

• ELL is excited about discovering all the new elements of his/her new life.
• Some students are very cooperative and try very hard to please.
• Other students feel fear and loneliness.
• Usually experience "silent period" of one month up to one year. Student is developing receptive language skills in preparation for speaking.

Summary: This student discusses the silent period; listening so that mistakes are not made; did not want questions so would not have to answer; suggests gestures as a first step in comprehension, and if possible find another student who speaks the same language, to give some comfort. [Listen carefully.]	Audio Segments
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Uprooting Stage — Reality Check

Summary: This student came to the US from Japan at age 12. She discusses: her emotions; difficulty with talking with schools friends; discovering a content-based way to success, via mathematics; and the help of family and friends.	Audio Segments
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• ELL realizes that there are differences between his/her own culture and the new culture.
• ELL has mixed emotions about the new lifestyle and culture.
• Frustration, fear, curiosity, loneliness, lack of identity in the new culture are felt not only by the student, but also the family.

Culture Shock

• May happen simultaneous to Uprooting Stage or shortly thereafter.
• Frustrating feeling of loss of all the familiar people, objects, connections, and routines from the home culture.
• Mistrusts and fears new situations.
• May show signs of withdrawal, hostility, depression.
• May exhibit academic problems as the curriculum gets becomes more difficult and the ELL is still adjusting to his/her new environment.

Adaptation Stage: Assimilation or Acculturation

ELLs usually take one of two courses of action as acceptance of and comfort with the new culture take place.

1. Assimilation: ELL replaces home cultural values and beliefs with the new culture.
2. Acculturation: ELL adopts some of the mainstream culture, while continuing with the customs and values of the home culture.

Mainstream Stage: Culture Split or Final Acculturation

ELLs usually take one of two courses of action when fully entering the mainstream culture.

1. Culture Split: At home, ELL practices the family culture, in school practices the new mainstream culture. May exhibit embarrassment when the two cultures meet [e.g., parent conferences, school activities, such as concerts, sports, etc.]
2. Successful Acculturation: ELL has accepted both cultures as part of his/her new life and integrates aspects of both into his/her lifestyle.