Social Stratification and Second Language Acquisition: Scrutinizing the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Linguistic Attainment
Author : Sudarshan Chakraborty
Abstract :
In an increasingly interwoven global arena, the acquisition of a Second Language (SLA), a must-have proficiency to ensure cross-cultural communication, economic upliftment, and international collaboration, is found to be of paramount importance. Ascertaining mastery of SLA involves a complex process. Effective L2 Acquisition hinges on several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Of the extraneous Macrosocial factors, the most significant one is the Socio-Economic Status (SES). This paper aims at excavating the intricate interplay of socioeconomic status (SES) and linguistic proficiency in second language acquisition (SLA). With an objective of scrutinizing the multifaceted impacts of socioeconomic status (SES) on linguistic attainment, this paper draws upon a comprehensive review of related literature, the systematic analysis of which exposes how disparities concerning socioeconomic status control linguistic performance. Critical analysis of the empirical studies and theoretical frameworks helps in identifying the additional contributing factors such as disparities in educational resource availability, teaching quality, parental involvement, and sociocultural influences, and thereby highlight the necessity for tailored interventions and policy reforms to address educational inequalities. By acknowledging and mitigating the influence of SES on language development, efforts can be directed toward establishing fair and inclusive educational environments for all learners.
Keywords :
Second language acquisition (SLA), socioeconomic status (SES), social stratification, linguistic competence, linguistic performance
