Second Language Acquisition

Video series with Dr. Frank Tuzi

What is SLA?Second Language Acquisition

L2 (Second Language – living it)

TL (Target Language)

FL (Foreign Language – not living it)

Library Language – just learning to investigate topics in that language

Auxiliary Language – learned only for a specific purpose (business needs)

To ponder in SLA:WHAT does the learner learn?

Just language? Other understandings?

HOW does the learner learn?Environmental?Formal instruction?

Why are some learners more successful than others?Better strategies?More motivated?

The field of SLA study involves:

Linguistics

Psychology – workings of brain

Sociolinguists – interactions with others

Theories of SLA integrate these components

Multilingual speakers: Knowledge is different

(enhanced)

Linguistic awareness is higher

Cognitive processes are better understood

Language Learning (L1/LL):

The nature of L1 learning is inherent

Children learn with interaction and stimulus

Intelligence and the ability to learn L1 are not directly related

The rate of L1 learning varies. It does correlate to the critical period.

LL requires INPUT but teaching L1 is not necessary for oral communication.

Chomsky

Skinner

Krashen

What the researcher can investigate:

Linguistic perspectives of language learning

Psychological perspectives of language learning

Social perspective of LL

Any combination of the above

SL Learning Theories

What makes a good theory?

How does theory fit together with actual teaching of SL?

What makes a good SLA theory?

Views of the nature of language:

Language is complex and multilevelPhonology - soundsMorphology - endingsSemantics - meaningLexis – vocabulary/wordsPragmatics – social context

Competence vs Performance

Nature vs Nurture

The Language Learning Process

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLAInput and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLAInput and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLAInput and Interaction in SLA

Input and Interaction in SLAInput and Interaction in SLA

Stephen KrashenWe all acquire language the same.

Symbolic representation-visuals work

We acquire language when we understand messages – this is comprehensible input in a low anxiety environment.

Anything that makes language comprehensible (pictures, knowledge, background) helps.

Stephen KrashenSpeaking ability emerges gradually.

L2 develops in a very similar way as L1listening/input happens firstsilent period is normalorder: words, phrases, sentences

What counts in speaking is the input you get from others’ responses.

Affective filter: motivation, self-esteem, anxiety (lower is better) affect learning.