Geeslin_et_al.__2021_._Chapter_1_Introduction_to_Perspectives_on_SLA

Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

• Definition of Terms:

  • Bilingualism and multilingualism refer to the ability to use more than one language.

  • Second Language (L2) refers to any language learned after one's native language.

• Importance:

  • About 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide with only around 200 nation-states, indicating widespread multilingualism.

  • Scholars analyze the processes and mechanisms in second language acquisition (SLA).

The Study of SLA

• Focus of SLA:

  • Understanding how individuals learn and use languages other than their native tongue.

  • Examines linguistic knowledge and its development through L2 learning.

• Key Areas of Study:

  • Nature of linguistic knowledge, mechanisms of learning, and social/language factors affecting acquisition.

Who is a Second Language Learner?

• Definition:

  • A second language learner is anyone learning a language other than their mother tongue.

• Categories of Learners:

  • Heritage language learners: Those who grow up with a minority language at home.

  • Variation in learners due to individual experiences and characteristics.

Differences in Language Acquisition

• Second vs. Additional Languages:

  • Acquisition processes for second, third, and further languages can exhibit the same underlying mechanisms but may differ in execution.

  • Cross-linguistic influences are expected based on prior language knowledge.

Importance of Learning Spanish

• Global Significance:

  • Over 480 million native speakers of Spanish, with an estimated 21 million second language learners.

  • Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S.

• Research Growth:

  • Spanish L2 acquisition has developed into a significant subfield with key themes like grammatical development and cross-linguistic influence.

Linguistic Knowledge

• Definitions:

  • Linguistic competence: An innate knowledge system of a language.

  • Linguistic performance: The actual use of language in practice.

  • Interlanguage: The evolving language system that learners create.

• Types of Knowledge:

  • Implicit Knowledge: Unconscious understanding of the language structure.

  • Explicit Knowledge: Knowledge that can be consciously articulated.

Processing in Second Language Acquisition

• Cognitive Processes:

  • SLA involves specific cognitive mechanisms for processing language in real-time situations.

  • Inputs and Outputs: Language input influences the development of learners’ interlanguage systems over time.

Historical Perspectives on SLA

• Early Theories:

  • Primarily influenced by behaviorism; emphasized observable stimuli and responses.

  • B.F. Skinner’s beliefs dominated language learning methodologies.

• Chomsky's Critique:

  • Argued for innate language processes, introducing the concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

Cognitive Approaches

• Chomsky's Universal Grammar:

  • Knowledge about language is innate and structured around universal rules.

  • The role of environment is less pronounced than previously thought.

• Krashen's Monitor Model:

  • Divides language knowledge into acquired and learned systems, emphasizing naturalistic learning experiences.

Processing-Based Theories

• Processability Theory:

  • Proposes that language learners only acquire forms they can process, emphasizing hierarchical learning.

  • Constructs specific processing routines necessary for second language acquisition.

Terms and Definitions in Second Language Acquisition

1. Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages fluently.

2. Multilingualism: The ability to use multiple languages fluently.

3. Second Language (L2): Any language learned after one's native language.

4. Linguistic Competence: An innate knowledge system of a language.

5. Linguistic Performance: The actual use of language in practice.

6. Interlanguage: The evolving language system created by learners as they acquire a second language.

7. Implicit Knowledge: Unconscious understanding of language structure.

8. Explicit Knowledge: Knowledge of a language that can be consciously articulated.

9. Language Acquisition Device (LAD): A theoretical construct by Chomsky that explains the innate ability to acquire language.

10. Processability Theory: Suggests that language learners acquire only those forms they are capable of processing.