Gina's Social and Psychological Distance to Spanish Language, Culture and Speakers

Schumann's Theory

I.- Social Distance

1.-Social Dominance: In Gina's case, we can see the group more dominant is the native-english speakers. That can be a very critical point for not being successful in learning Spanish.

2.- Integration Pattern: As we know Gina is really keen on learning Spanish, however, as she is so inmerse in English speaking culture, there no chance to her to practice.

3.- Enclosure: I think that Gina will be learning English quickly if she is able to find out the right resources to. Besides, our group can provide her tools to learn more about it.

4.- Size: As she is the only one that wants to learn, there's no group.

5.- Cohesiveness: Since Gina's is willing to learn, she will be able to improve her Spanish skills through being apart from the people she is used to see.

6.- Cultural Congruence: There are so many cultural differences that can be an important obstacle to Gina to learn the language.

7.- Attitude: Here we have a good point that can help Gina on her way to learn Spanish. There's a good attitude from the Chilean group as Gina's.

8.- Intended Lenght of Residence: Gina is not thinking of staying in the target language country.

II.- Psychological Distance

1.- Motivation: Gina really wants to learn Spanish, so she is very motivated. That can be very helpful not only for her but also for the teacher who is teaching it.

2.- Attitude: I believe that Gina has very good thoughts of the target-culture group, then, she probably won't have problems with that.

3.- Culture Shock: I don't think that Gina is suffering a culture shock because she is not in the culture itself. She is in her own country.