Academic Work
Literature Review: A Comparative Examination of Child-Directed Speech and ESL Student-Directed Speech
Child-Directed Speech (CDS) and Second Language Learner-Directed Speech (SDS) both involve modifications like simplified vocabulary, slower speech, and varied prosody to support language development, but they differ in context and purpose. CDS is more direct and affective, used by caregivers to bond with and nurture children's language skills, while SDS is more academic and indirect, guiding language learners through structured learning. Both rely on scaffolding, pragmatic teaching, and repetition to facilitate comprehension, but SDS typically uses specialized vocabulary and a professional tone suited to learners' existing linguistic backgrounds.
Teachers can learn from CDS by using simpler, concrete language and varied prosody with lower-proficiency learners, but must avoid infantilizing speech to respect learners’ maturity and background. Further research is needed to optimize SDS for language acquisition by studying how the features of CDS and SDS influence learning.
Literature Review: Culture Shock
Culture shock creates a cycle that hinders language learning, as learners often struggle with both cultural adaptation and language acquisition simultaneously. Language barriers exacerbate feelings of alienation, making it difficult for learners to integrate into their new community, which in turn intensifies culture shock. As Li (1999) and Schumann (1975) highlight, the cognitive overload from adjusting to a new culture while trying to learn a language can divert attention from language acquisition, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, isolation, and slow progress. This cycle complicates language learning and perpetuates feelings of alienation.
Despite the extensive literature on culture shock, more research is needed to understand its impact on language learning and identify strategies to break the cycle. This study aims to explore how culture shock affects language learning and offers insights into how the cycle can be interrupted.
