Linguistic factors of language acquisition are lack of motivation to learn a new language. This can be discouraging entering a classroom not understanding the language being spoken. Therefore, it is easy for EL students to become unmotivated because they are comfortable with their first language.

Physical factors: Physical factors include no support at home, a negative learning environment, and improper diet. If the student does not get support at home to speak another language the student will likely lack confidence and be unwilling to learn. If a child is not receiving a proper diet and lacks sleep they are unable to learn and retain anything.

Affective factors: This includes anxiety and self-esteem. When a student enters a classroom with an unknown language being spoken that causes stress on a student and causes doubt and fear within the student.

Socio-cultural factors: The students may experience discrimination and stereotyping. These students and their cultures may not be represented in the classroom. Which can make an EL student feel like an outsider.

Political Factors: This can affect certain cultures either negatively or positively depending on the government policies.