Impact of culture shock, acculturation approaches, and sociocultural adaptation on perceived proficiency in Turkish and English among international students in Turkey

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of culture shock, acculturation strategies, and sociocultural adjustment on the perceived Turkish and English language proficiency of international students in Turkey. Data were collected from 3554 international students in Turkey whose native language was neither Turkish nor English, using the “Culture Shock Questionnaire”, “Acculturation Measurement”, and “Sociocultural Adjustment Scale”. Data were analyzed using correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The results revealed that the perceived Turkish and English language proficiencies of international students in Turkey were moderate. Language proficiency, personal interests, and social participation factors of sociocultural adjustment and acculturation strategies, such as assimilation and integration, have a positive impact on perceived Turkish language proficiency. On the other hand, the interpersonal stress factor of culture shock and assimilation and integration aspects of the acculturation strategies were found to be the most critical determinants of perceived English language proficiency. Additionally, language proficiency, personal interests, and social participation factors of sociocultural adjustment and acculturation strategies, such as separation and assimilation, had positive effects, whereas the language proficiency factor of sociocultural adjustment and assimilation acculturation strategies had negative effects. The findings of this study indicate that acculturation strategies and sociocultural adjustment play a crucial role in the development of perceived target language proficiency.