Journal of Applied Languages and Linguistics

Research Article

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TITLE: The adult English language learner: Needs, challenges and inhibitions.

Author: Dr Zoi Antonopoulou

University of Piraeus

80 M. Karaoli and A. Dimitriou, 18534, Piraeus, Greece

Email: zoi.anton@gmail.com

Published online: 24 December 2019, pp. 43-47

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Citation:

Antonopoulou, Z. (2019) The adult English language learner: Needs, challenges and inhibitions, Journal of Applied Languages and Linguistics, 3(2), pp. 43-47.

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Abstract

English is closely related to the digital, globalized world and is considered today’s lingua franca. The number of adult learners wishing to learn English is constantly growing. Yet, this return to the classroom evokes a number of sensations, which is in close concordance with previous encounters with learning. Literature suggests that the adult education process is closely related to past student experiences. No matter how much time has elapsed, old attitudes and pre-existing values may continue to surface. At the same time, teaching adult learners involves a whole new paradigm of skills on the part of the educator. An adult educator is required to be aware of and optimally utilize the skillset that each learner brings, to welcome diversity of age, professional and social backgrounds and prioritize according to the learners’ aims. The article discusses adult learners, their needs, challenges they face and internalized negative conceptions of self, often related to previous academic failure.

                                                                                © Applied Language Studies House Publications 2019. All rights reserved.

Keywords: language learner, lingua franca, English, needs, challenges, inhibitions

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