LLT 361 Ch 2 Second Language Acquisition

Second and Foreign language teaching

Second Language Acquisition

process of learning any additional language after a first native language is already established

Is L2 always Chronologically second?

A person's L1 often chronologically precedes their L2.

Is a persons L2 Less developed than L1?

Not always. It is possible that a person’s chronological L2 becomes their primary language if they’re no longer in a context in which their L1 is used.

Can a person have more than one L2?

L2s for any additional languages that an individual studies and learns

(e.g., 3rd language = L2 learning)

What might a better term to second language acquisition (SLA) be?

additional language acquisition

Language Acquisition

A growing amount of the target language inside a person’s brain. an identifiable and attainable end-state

Interlanguage

Internally consistent and dynamic system of language that a learner develops over time.

Language transfer

Learn uses rules, sounds or structures from their L1 while learning an L2.

L1 Acquisition differences from L2

No previous language experience, Access to UG, Exposure to naturalistic input, learned from birth.

L2 Acquisition differences from L1

Language learning experience to draw on, Varying levels of development, Primarily relying on instruction at school settings, learned from an older age.

What are some similarities between L1 and L2 acquisition?

Input is essential, same predictable developmental language learning stages.

What is a L1 learners ultimate attainment?

Almost always develop full proficiency

What is a L2 learners ultimate attainment?

Reach different levels of proficiency. Some reach minimal proficiency, some reach full.

Behaviorism

This L2 theory proposes that learning occurs through repetition and habit formation. No longer favored, could not explain complex mental processes.

Skill Acquisition Theory (SAT)

This L2 theory emphasizes declarative knowledge becoming proceduralized knowledge of language through practice. Present, practice, produce (PPP) pedagogy

In Universal Grammar accessible to Second Language Learners?

3 theoretical Positions: Full access, Partial access from L1 and No access.

Usage-based theories

This L2 theory proposes that Humans do not possess a special, innate learning mechanism for language learning. Humans continually construct L2 knowledge based on input.