Acculturation - overview

     Ac·cul·tur·a·tion [uh-kuhl-chuh-rey-shuhn]  

      noun1.the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of  an   other group.

          Most children follow a cyclical pattern of emotions when moving to the United States from a foreign country 

         otherwise known as acculturation. Adjustment is an on-going process

   

      Four Stages of Adjustment

    Honeymoon Stage

¢  Student is fascinated with everything that is new and different to them

¢  Students in this stage may be eager to please, cooperative and be very interested in what their peers and teachers have to say

¢  Students in this stage are delightful to work with

¢  Possible emotions include: exhilaration, anticipation & excitement

       Hostility stage/Culture shock

¢  Following their initial excitement, students may become frustrated and confused with their new surroundings and weary of the fact that they will be expected to speak and listen to English everyday

¢  Possible emotions: frustration, anger, anxiety, fear, depression

         Integration/Acceptance Stage

¢  Students begin feeling comfortable with their surroundings

¢  Possible emotions: relaxation, a feeling of relief, understanding of expectations

        Home Stage

¢  Students feel at home and function in their new country

¢   This stage is defined by successful adjustment to the norms and standards of their new environment.

¢  Possible emotions: comfort, happiness & a feeling of belonging

Acculturation. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012, from dictionary.reference.com/browse/acculturation

English as a Second Language (ESL) » Stages of Acculturation. (n.d.). English as a Second Language (ESL) - GERMANTOWN HIGH SCHOOL. Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://ghsesl.edublogs.org/for-classroom-teachers/stages-of-acculturation/