Language Acquisition

Misconception 5:  A second language student who lashes out and is disruptive is exhibiting emotional disturbances

Most of these children are actually suffering from culture shock. People experience culture shock in a way that is similar to the stages of grief.

  • Honeymoon (showing excitement about a new life)
  • Rejection (there is too much to understand)
  • Regression (frustrations with communication and homesickness)
  • Integration (learning to deal with differences and finding ways to live in both cultures)
  • Acceptance (assimilation and adoption of mainstream culture at school while keeping home culture values)