ACCULTURATION AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING—THE FIELD TRIP AS AN OPTION

Abstract

Some degree of acculturation is necessary for successful second and third language learning. A definition of acculturation is followed by an examination of the viability of including a socio-cultural component in the language curriculum. A specific case study of Xhosa third language learners is examined and analysed. Issues such as the students' integration with the target community and factors which inhibit such integration are dealt with. The results of a particular language field trip to the Transkei and its implications for teachers and learners of a third language are included.