SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OF AN ASYLUM SEEKER IN SHARON BALA’S THE BOAT PEOPLE

Second language acquisition is a critical yet challenging process for asylum seekers. It is often complicated by factors such as trauma, stress, and interrupted education. The study focuses on Mahindan, an asylum seeker who recognised language proficiency as essential for his survival and sustained life in the host country. This paper analyses the second language acquisition journey of Mahindan through Self-efficacy theory by Albert Bandura. The theory posits that an individual’s belief in their capacity to succeed in specific situations serves as a significant determinant of motivation and behaviour. This examination outlines the four elements of Self-efficacy theory. They are performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion and emotional arousal. Mahindan in The Boat People formed a rigorous self-regulation to transform his own habits and learning. The paper further discusses the language barriers Mahindan faced, the challenges he overcame, and the efforts he made to achieve his language acquisition goal.