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- PaperOpenAlex — TESOL research22 Jul 2026
Second language embodiment in actor training through mindful practice
Kristýna Zinková
Applied Practice as Research with EAL acting students to explore how a second language can become disembodied and affect performative authenticity. Found that training linguistic awareness through mindful practices like Dialogical Acting enhances second language embodiment. Supports integrating deep linguistic embodiment into multilingual acting curricula.
Original abstract
At the turn of the twenty first century, the Embodied Cognition Theory emerged, positing that human cognition, including language, is inherently embodied. This theory suggests that even imagining movement can activate muscles similarly to actual movement, highlighting the mind and body as an interconnected system. However, it raises a question: are second languages also embodied? While this theory has intrigued performative sciences, more rigorous research is required. To investigate this matter, I applied Practice as Research as part of my Master’s Thesis at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Working with EAL acting students,I explored how, or why, a second language (English) can be “disembodied” and how this affects performative authenticity. My findings revealed that linguistic awareness may be a vital tool for enhancing performance. The research incorporated the Academy's practice Dialogical Acting with The Inner Partner, investigating how well awareness can be trained in order to increase the embodiment of a second language. By fostering awareness in second-language acquisition, including sound and rhythm in life-like situations, performers can deepen their understanding of linguistic systems and enhance their personal linguistic capabilities. This research supports integrating deep linguistic embodiment into multicultural and multilingual acting curricula, offering a pathway to more authentic performances.