The native-like speaker myth: challenging native-like proficiency as the only measure of additional language acquisition success

Keith, Alissa Rene' (2024). The native-like speaker myth: challenging native-like proficiency as the only measure of additional language acquisition success. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Keith2024PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis seeks to challenge the native-like speaker myth, which consists of four assumptions about adult additional language acquisition. These four assumptions are as follows: 1) assumption of a homogenous native speaker, 2) assumption of native-like proficiency as ultimate attainment goal, 3) assumption of native-like proficiency as the only measure of success, and 4) assumption of an objective measure of additional language acquisition (ALA) success. Using a qualitative life histories approach, this study adds nuance to the notion of success and failure in adult ALA. This study consists of individual interviews of twenty-six (26) participants who began learning an additional language after the age of 12. Their interview data was analyzed primarily using a qualitative data analysis process and secondarily using corpus analysis. As a result of these multiple rounds of data analysis, four themes emerged: 1) adults learn language to connect with people, not to be like native speakers; 2) adults learn language to connect with cultures, not to be like native speakers; 3) adults can succeed at reaching or exceeding their additional language goals; and 4) adults do not always fail at ALA; instead, they have varied measures of AL success, which are not always measured by nearness to native-like proficiency. The use of the life histories approach allowed adult additional language learners to voice their own individual measures of additional language acquisition goals and measures of success. The themes that emerged from the data analysis challenged the four assumptions of the native-like speaker myth.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):