Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): From a sociolinguistic point of view, mainstream SLA studies remain asocial- the social import of learning to interact through language remains hidden.
Reason (R): A sociolinguistic perspective focusses on the linguistic system as well as on a concern with specific items of pragmatic and discourse development and rejects the tendency of looking at language as a set of norms, at language diversity and ideologies.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

The assertion (A) is correct: mainstream SLA studies remain asocial, meaning that they do not adequately account for the social aspects of language learning. This is because mainstream SLA studies have traditionally focused on the individual learner and their cognitive processes, rather than on the social context in which language learning takes place.
The reason (R) is not correct. A sociolinguistic perspective on SLA does not reject the tendency to look at language as a set of norms, at language diversity, or at language ideologies. In fact, a sociolinguistic perspective is specifically concerned with the role of social factors in language learning and use. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
Here are some examples of how mainstream SLA studies have been criticized for being asocial:
• SLA studies have traditionally focused on the individual learner and their cognitive processes, rather than on the social context in which language learning takes place.
• SLA studies have often used decontextualized tasks and materials in their research, which does not reflect the real-world conditions of language learning.
• SLA studies have often ignored the social and cultural factors that can influence language learning, such as motivation, identity, and power relations.
A sociolinguistic perspective on SLA attempts to address these criticisms by focusing on the social context of language learning and the role of social factors in language learning and use. Sociolinguists are interested in the following questions, among others:
• How does the social context in which language learning takes place influence the learner's acquisition of the language?
• What role do social factors such as motivation, identity, and power relations play in language learning?
• How do learners use language to interact with others in different social contexts?
A sociolinguistic perspective on SLA is important because it can help us to better understand the complex process of language learning. By understanding the social factors that influence language learning, we can develop more effective teaching and learning methods.