This unique account of English language acquisition by Latino elders
shines intimate light on the increasingly complex concerns of aging
immigrant minority populations. Rich qualitative findings detail
sociocultural barriers to and social and emotive factors that promote
second language acquisition in older age. The book's case study
highlights diverse cognitive and social processes as elders establish a
sense of self as learners and as part of a learning community, and a
sense of place as newcomers navigating a challenging environment. And
first-person comments from the group members deftly illustrate the
intricacies of being an immigrant in a rapidly changing America as well
as the myriad intersections of race/ethnicity, gender, culture, and
country that shape immigrant life.
Included in the coverage:
- Minority aging in an immigrant context.
- Late-life second language acquisition: cognitive and psycholinguistic
changes, challenges, and opportunities.
- Building emotions for self-identity and learning.
- Practicing safe language socialization in private and public spaces.
- Language resocialization and gender allies.
- Aging, second language acquisition, and health.
Aging in a Second Language gives clinical social workers,
gerontologists, health and cross-cultural psychologists, sociologists,
educators and other professionals deep insights into the lives of an
emerging active elder population. It also pinpoints challenges and
opportunities in research, literacy program design, pedagogy, clinical
outreach, education policy, and service delivery to immigrant elders.
