Title: Factors Influencing English Language Acquisition Among Learners: A Synthesized Review of Literature
Abstract: This review paper scrutinizes the diverse array of factors influencing the success of English language learners globally. It consolidates critical studies from both domestic and international perspectives, underpinned by empirical evidence to assess how these elements impact language acquisition.
Introduction: The process of learning English as a second or foreign language is influenced by a myriad of factors. Scholars have long recognized that success in language learning cannot be attributed to cognitive capabilities alone but is rather the outcome of complex interactions between motivation, age, learning environment, cultural exposure, cognitive style, and individual learner variables (Gardner & Lambert, 1972; Krashen, 1982).
Key Factors Influencing English Language Learning:
Motivation: Decades of research have underscored the significance of motivation (Dörnyei, 2009). Studies indicate that integrative motivation—where learners pursue L2 learning with the goal of integrating into the target language culture—leads to more profound linguistic achievements than instrumental motivation, which is driven by utilitarian purposes (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
Age and Cognitive Development: Clahsen & Felser’s (2006) investigation into child versus adult L2 acquisition highlighted an age advantage in acquiring native-like grammar. However, Hakuta et al. (2003) found older learners surpassed younger ones in vocabulary knowledge and literacy transfer due to greater cognitive maturity and learning strategies.
Learning Context: The role of immersion in a target language environment has been elucidated by qualitative studies like Stroud's (1976) Swanee School experiment. With English-only classrooms fostering rapid development in communicative abilities, this study provides evidence that intensive contexts accelerate learner progress.
Cultural Factor and Code-Switching: Liddicoat & Scarino (2013) focus on the importance of intercultural awareness, advocating for the importance of mirroring global English use when teaching, where code-switching is common and beneficial for engaging with language pragmatically.
Language Aptitude: Carroll (1981) posited that language aptitude is the best predictor of ultimate attainment in language learning.