‘I can’t … I won’t?’ International students at the threshold of social interaction

Wright, C. and Schartner, A. (2013) ‘I can’t … I won’t?’ International students at the threshold of social interaction. Journal of Research in International Education, 12 (2). pp. 113-128. ISSN 1741-2943 doi: 10.1177/1475240913491055

Abstract/Summary

This mixed-method study tracked social interaction and adaptation among 20 international postgraduates on a 1-year programme in the UK, examining assumptions that language proficiency and interactional engagement directly underpin sociocultural adaptation. Participants remained frustrated by a perceived ‘threshold’ barring successful interaction with English speakers, while reporting reluctance to take up available opportunities, independent of language proficiency and sociocultural adaptation. We challenge linear models of adaptation and call for assistance to international students in crossing the threshold to successful interaction.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/33232
Identification Number/DOI	10.1177/1475240913491055
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	No Reading authors. Back catalogue items Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Literature and Languages > English Language and Applied Linguistics
Publisher	Sage
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