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Sociocultural Theory And Social Rules

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When looking at sociocultural factors one is faced with a variety of models that attempt to provide a social explanation of how language is acquired. This includes an examination of such influences as the social characteristics of the setting and the learner and the social rules for second language use. While typically associated with these models, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which is based in his study of psychology, does not attempt to use culture to explain how language is acquired. Instead, Vygotsky identifies the relationship between language and culture as a dynamic, reciprocal and constantly evolving experience whereby language and culture are constituted in and of each other. Lev Semenovich Vygotsky developed what is now called 'The Sociocultural Theory ' in Russia during the 1920s and 1930s. The core of his idea was that it is the interaction between people and their surroundings that results in deeper human development. Central to his belief was the important role community plays in helping humans, especially children, progress and integrate in their social environment. While often represented as a complete concept, Vygotsky was still investigating and testing many of his theories when he died suddenly in 1934. His book, Thought and Language, originally published the year of his death came under widespread criticism and was not translated into English until 1962. In the 1980s, Vygotsky’s works gained wider audiences after being republished in Russia and

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