Second Language Acquisition in an Adult with Down Syndrome:A Case Study with Implications for ELT
Keywords:
Down syndrome, ESL, SLA, inclusive educationAbstract
This case study explores the acquisition of English as a Second Language (ESL) in a 23-year-old person with Down syndrome. The study aims to evaluate differentiated ways that are effective in language training. Additionally, the paper attempts to specify challenges involved in language learning for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The paper is also strengthened with insights from several SLA theories. The study investigates how social interaction and inductive instruction contribute to language development in this particular case. A qualitative case study methodology was employed over 12 weeks. Data was collected through minute observations. Some communications with the learner and informal assessments have been recorded as videos. A few recurring patterns in learning behaviour and application were thematically observed. Findings reveal that the learner benefited significantly from practical input, repetition and inductive environments. Progress was most evident in receptive language and vocabulary retention. However, notable challenges in syntactic complexity and expressive fluency were observed, too. Personal relevance of certain words played a crucial role in vocabulary retention
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Data Availability Statement
Yes, the Google Drive links of videos included are accessible for public view.