TESOL PERSPECTIVE

TESOL Perspective: Educational Cultures and Teaching Believes

TESOL Perspective: Educational Cultures and Teaching Beliefs

Part I: Article Critique

Article Critique 1

When we mention the concept of studying abroad, individuals manifest behaviors and expectations depending on their perceptions and experiences. For citizens traveling to the West from nations where English is not the first language of the masses, it can be a source of a number of issues in a new country. The article in discussion here (“Towards a second language socialization perspective: Issues in studying abroad”) focuses on the issues such as the impact of communicating in a new language on an individual's personality. The author, Chi Lin Wang goes on to state that the aforementioned issue can influence the perception of an individual studying abroad. Wang lays emphasis on the socialization approach in order to reduce the number of barriers a person faces when communicating in a new language. Wang reiterates that individuals should look to communicate and interact with people as frequently as they can in order for acculturation to take effect. In addition, the socialization approach can also contribute in the individual's progress in academics (Wang, 2010, 1-19).

Embedded in the literature review of the article by Wang is a detailed structure of the phenomenon of studying abroad as to how a person can direct his or her efforts when attempting to become accustomed to the new-fangled environment. Wang has also highlighted the significance of transitional equilibrium that is a consequence of the changes that a person experiences in high school. The background of Wang's study points to the historical developments and the association between an individual's linguistic abilities and studying abroad and the approaches employed by individuals in order to cope with the situation they encounter.

There exist a number of programs that have been upgraded, being offered to international or exchange students in secondary and higher secondary institutions. These proficiency programs are designed to bring about necessary changes in the student and provide them with an opportunity to learn and adapt. It is rather essential to comprehend the importance of language support to gain an insight into the traditional values of the individual. Wang sheds light on the aspect of understanding the complexities a person may face when they choose to study abroad. These complexities could be in the form of linguistic barriers to effective communication.

Wang mentions the experiential difference that exists between studying in one's native land in comparison to a relatively unknown country (for example a Chinese exchange student in the United States). Wang was observed to be questioning the value of studying abroad in his research (Wang, 2010, 1-19).

The article in terms of observations clearly indicate second language socialization terms and conditions which coincides with the explanations of learners that have the opportunity of language input and connections (www.pegem.net). In terms of social aspects, these observations are found out to have a great amount of information as to how an individual can adjust his or her identity as well academic achievements with their ...