LING103: Second Language Acquisition

L2 Acquisition

The acquisition of a new language once our first language(s) are in place. Most L2 research focuses on adults learning a new language.

First Language Acquisition

Also known as child language development, it refers to the process of acquiring a native language or mother tongue.

SLA

The research field that studies 'second' (additional) language learning. It is an interdisciplinary field involving researchers and methods from linguistics, psychology, education, neuroscience, etc.

Language in the Narrow Sense

Includes sounds, vocabulary, and grammar (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) along with comprehension and production skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing).

Language in the Broad Sense

Refers to communicative competence, including linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competence.

Linguistic Competence

Knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and phonology.

Sociolinguistic Competence

The ability to use language appropriately in different social situations, considering factors like vocabulary, register, and politeness.

Discourse Competence

The ability to produce different genres and texts, such as formal letters, poetry, essays, and cooking recipes.

Strategic Competence

Knowledge of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies.

Objectives of SLA Research

Identifying universal principles in additional language learning and understanding and explaining differences in language learning outcomes.

Applied Dimension of SLA Research

Using research to improve curriculum design, materials development, and classroom instruction.

Age Effects

The impact of age on language learning, especially regarding native-like proficiency.

Critical Period Hypothesis

The hypothesis that there is a limited developmental period during which it is possible to acquire a language to native-like levels.

Cross-Linguistic Influence

The effect of previously acquired languages on subsequent language learning.

Contrastive Analyses

Systematic comparison of languages to predict ease and difficulty of learning.

Lado (1957)

Proposed that similarities and differences between the native language and the target language could account for ease and difficulty of learning.