Language Learning And Communication In A Multi-Lingual Crew Of A Mars Analogue Research Station

Wynn, Louise

In: On To Mars 2, edited by Zubrin, RM, and Crossman, F. Collector's Guide Publishing Inc. (2004)

The international FMARS Crew 9, Summer 2004, provided a testing ground for theories of language learning. Linguists generally agree that while children acquire their native language unconsciously, adults use conscious and analytic methods to learn new languages. There is some disagreement, though, about whether adults can acquire languages in certain situations, whether these be “natural” classroom settings or situations where they are forced to speak their target language without formal instruction and correction. For the multilingual crew of the Flashline Arctic Research Station in July 2004, the author wanted to see whether and how ESL speakers improved in their English communication skills and how native English speakers adapted to communicating with the ESL speakers in a “natural” language-learning situation.

Keywords

Analog Mars Research and Research Stations