The acquisition of sociolinguistic knowledge in relation to the study
abroad experience can be affected by many things. These include the kind of
stay abroad involved. It could be an interprovincial exchange in Canada for
Canadians or a Junior Year Abroad in Europe for Americans, or a stay in a
Japanese host family for Australians. The culture of the host country can significantly
affect the acquisition of sociolinguistic knowledge. The purpose
and motivation of the learner can equally affect the kind of sociolinguistic
knowledge acquired. The level of proficiency may affect gains in this area.
I will now discuss what seem to be the principal issues in relation to
the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence in a study abroad context:
• context of acquisition
• degree of contact with native speakers
• level of proficiency
• role of input
• native speaker sociolinguistic norms
• individual differences