CHALLENGES AND DETERMINANTS OF SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AMONG CHINESE-SPEAKING ADULT IMMIGRANTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and determinants of second language acquisition (SLA), with a focus on English learning among Chinese-speaking adult immigrants. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 30 participants through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with five of them, ten of whom reside in Nigeria. The findings highlight multiple interconnected barriers, including pronunciation and grammatical difficulties, language anxiety, limited meaningful social interaction, and significant socio-economic constraints. In the Nigerian context, participants faced additional hurdles such as navigating Nigerian English varieties, Pidgin English, and the fast-paced demands of market and business interactions. Although motivation levels remained high, socio-economic realities strongly shaped learning outcomes. The study calls for the development of flexible, context-sensitive language programmes that address both linguistic needs and the broader life circumstances of adult immigrants in Nigeria.