Second Language Learning and Cultural Alienation: The Usage of the Media

Second Language Learning and Cultural Alienation: The Usage of the Media

Yaman , Adnan
Karakuzu, Melih

Today the Media is almost inseparable from our daily lives. For the new generations what is seen on the screen is more relevant than what is seen outside. The Media has also become one of the main components in second language acquisition (SLA) and specifically English learning. Thanks to technology children are exposed to English via internet, TV, and radio. In this way children easily make connection with the target language as well as finding motivation and immersion to it. However no language comes by itself. It also brings its culture. In this way our children not only are exposed to English, but also to American and British way of living. Such exposure may enhance intercultural understanding and dialogue on one hand, but may also affect the cognitive development of children in negative ways on the other. Being exposed to other cultures without control also carries the seeds of alienation from one’s own roots and loss of self-identity. How can parents control this process? Are children mature enough to make their own choices regarding ways of living? To what extend do we want our child to be exposed to other cultures to implement intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and harmony? Where is the line between loss of self-identity and appreciation of multiculturalism? Is it possible for parents to raise a healthy awareness towards the Media`s influences? To what extent can parents teach their children critical viewing of the Media? This paper focuses on second language acquisition via usage of the Media from an intercultural perspective and elucidates the extent and practicability of equipping children intellectually against the underlying ideologies with which the materials are produced on the Media. It critically analyzes the usage of the Media in second language acquisition and its negative effects on cognitive development of the children.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05

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