The Acculturation Model

The study sought to understand the acculturation, personal experiences, perceptions, and views of the recent adult African ESL learners. These specific ESL learners present a unique challenge to educators due to limited educational materials on their background in the U.S. The knowledge acquired through this study could be used to adapt ESL programs to better serve this target population. This study supports reducing social and psychological distance between adult African ESL learners and the native English speakers. The study undoubtedly show that contact with the natives shapes the learners? lives, as well as presents opportunities for English language acquisition. The adaptation strategy espoused by the adult African ESL learners suggest a significant increase in the population, and perhaps the beginning of change in the perception of Africans and their cultures in the U.S.