Sociocultural Theory And Second Language Learning - 902 Words

Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning â€Å"Language is the most pervasive and powerful cultural artefact that humans possess to mediate their connection to the world, to each other, and to themselves† [Lantolf Thorne 2006:201]. The idea of mediation inherent in this notion of the language is a fundamental element of Sociocultural Theory [SCT], one of the most influential approach to learning and mental development since 1990s’, drawing on its origin from the work of soviet psychologist and semiotist Lev Vygotsky and many others. In this essay, I am going to describe major principles of SCT and its central constructs [particularly Semiotic Mediation, The Zone of Proximal Development] and I am going to provide some examples of related research that have been framed in these concepts. 1.SEMIOTIC MEDIATION The concept of semiotic mediation focuses on understanding of the ways in which signs carry, mediate, and constitute sociocultural meaning. According to Lantolf [2014], this sign-based process arises from interactions that occur in the social relationship culturally organized at both a macro level [institutional arrangements] and micro level [e.g. conversation]. In this part, I will outline main principles of the Vygotsky’s theory of linguistic mediation [based on the definition of language as a mean of mediation] and Whorf ‘s theory [based on definition of the language is as a shaper of ideas]. 1.1 The Linguistics Mediation of Psychological Processes â€Å"LanguageShow MoreRelatedSociocultural Theory And Second Language Learning1856 Words   |  8 PagesSociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning â€Å"Language is the most pervasive and powerful cultural artefact that humans possess to mediate their connection to the world, to each other, and to themselves† [Lantolf Thorne 2007:201]. The idea of mediation inherent in this notion of the language is a fundamental element of Sociocultural Theory [SCT], one of the most influential approaches to learning and mental development since the 1990s, drawing its origin from the work of soviet psychologistRead MoreSociocultural Theory Of Second Language Acquisition994 Words   |  4 Pages The sociocultural theory of second language acquisition has provided me with the strongest reasons for reconsidering my previous views on second language learning. Vygotsky proposed a sociocultural theory that is very influential within the field of second language learning. The focus was on the idea that all learning is primarily social. The connections between people and the sociocultural context in which they interact with one another are c rucial. Through interaction in shared experiences newRead MoreThe Effects Of Technology Enhanced Formative Assessment On Student Writing818 Words   |  4 Pagesgrammatical accuracy and writing quality in English learning contexts and on student motivation. This chapter discusses several areas in the literature and previous studies related to feedback and student writing in second and foreign language settings. This literature review begins with an overview of feedback from sociocultural perspectives. The zone of proximal development and scaffolding as the core concepts of sociocultural theory in second language (L2) writing will be reviewed. Discussion of theRead MoreSociocultural Theory And Social Rules1726 Words   |  7 Pages When looking at sociocultural factors one is faced with a variety of models that attempt to provide a social explanation of how language is acquired. This includes an examination of such influences as the social characteristics of the setting and the learner and the social rules for second language use. While typically associated with these models, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which is based in his study of psychology, does not attempt to use culture to explain how language is acquired. InsteadRead MoreSociocultural Learning Affects the Development of Children Essay1491 Words   |  6 PagesSociocultural Learning Affects the Development of Children ECE 101 Professor Kara Bullock Chakera Simon October 12, 2010 Sociocultural Learning Affects the Development of Children Lev Vygotsky believed that children learn from their own experience. As a teacher I have grown to learn that Vygotsky’s findings are true in so many ways. Just from watching the children in my classroom I see that the Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding play a huge part in the development of a child. Read MoreA Dance Teacher : A Theory And Sociocultural Theory Essay1685 Words   |  7 PagesTeacher’s Role in Developing Students When choosing a job to apply to Piagetian theory and sociocultural theory, I chose the position of a dance teacher. Children of all ages join dance companies, and the experiences and interactions from this activity can have a great effect on their development. After dancing for so many years I have first hand experience on how it can influence a developing child. These two theories are important when understanding the ways in which a child develops, and this paperRead MoreSecond Language Acquisition And Identity Formation1531 Words   |  7 PagesSecond Language Acquisition and Identity Formation Research Question: â€Å"What role does learning a second language play in the way one shapes their identity?† Background: Identity is subjective, not only to the individual to which the identity belongs, but also the way in which others perceive identity. This means that identity is not solely an individual event, but also a social one. Without social practices, such as identifying with specific cultures and norms, how would one know with which customsRead MoreTheories in Second Language Acquisition by James P. Lantolf and Steven L. Thorne593 Words   |  3 PagesAcquiring second language has its impact on the social and cultural knowledge. One of the theories that concern with that knowledge is the sociocultural theory that was originated by the Russian psychologist L. S. Vygotsky. The theory explains how individual mental functioning is related to cultural, institutional, and historical context. SCT has three main areas. These are: interaction, ZPD, and scaffolding. Summary In chapter (11) of James P. Lantolf and Steven L. Thorne’s book â€Å"Theories in secondRead MoreForeign Language Learning Motivation As An Integrative Factor1506 Words   |  7 PagesINTRODUCTION Foreign language learning is mandatory in some states in elementary and secondary education in the United States. During higher education, some students take language learning class at the bachelor level, however, graduates students do not follow this tendency. At the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, I have realized that the students who pursue the M.S.Ed. Program in International Educational Development incline to take a language learning course even if the programRead Moreâ€Å"Writing to Learn† in a Math Classroom Essay889 Words   |  4 PagesTheory of â€Å"Write to Learn† Reading and writing are the basis of the original meaning of literacy. This definition, however, changed over time and culture. The term has expanded to include computer literacy, digital literacy, information literacy, health literacy, etc. (Vacca, Vacca, Mraz, 2011). Nevertheless, the most important change to the term literacy is expanding the use of reading and writing. Literacy is defined as understanding, thinking and practicing the use of language in different