The Influence of Cultural Identity on Language Acquisition in "Third Culture Kids (TCKs)" in America with East Asian Backgrounds

Abstract

The relationship between cultural identity and language acquisition among a special demographic population, Third Culture Kids (TCKs) in America with East Asian backgrounds, is complex. TCKs spend a significant part of their early years outside their parents culture and face challenges in language acquisition due to their exposure to multiple cultures. Third Culture Kids with ancient backgrounds face challenges in their lifetime due to differences in cultural backgrounds between their host and home culture. This often leads to a unique third culture that blends elements of both cultures. Factors such as the age of language exposure, social interactions, and community attitudes significantly influence this formation of the third culture. This essay focuses on the various factors influencing language acquisition, including bilingualism, acculturation, and identity negotiation. Based on theoretical frameworks and empirical studies on sociocultural and identity theories, the aspects influencing language acquisition in TCK with East Asian-American backgrounds and their unique process of language acquisition will be explained.