FORMAL APPROACHES TO SLA

Jill WalkerVestavia Hills Elementary

Westaw3e@mtsu.edu

Innatist Approach

Language is a natural, biological process

Based on the work on Chomsky and Universal Grammar

All children are born with a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) that allows them to produce and understand language (Chomsky 2008).

Interactionist Theory

Emphasis on learner interactions and social aspect of language.

Reflected in the work of Vygotsky.

Second language acquisition occurs through interactions between the learner, teacher, and peers.

Uses error analysis to promote SLA.

Age Factor

Some brain researchers in the field of SLA believe that there is a “critical period” for language learning.

Children ages 2-12 can most effectively learn a language due to brain development during this time.

Most researchers agree that when it comes to language learning, earlier is better; the critical period can limit L1 and L2 acquisition (Lenneburg 1967).

Other Critical FactorsLanguage Similarities and

differences between L1 and L2

L1 proficiency L2 knowledgeLearner Classroom environment Home environmentLearning Process Learning styles Cultural influences Interactions(Walqui 2000)

Tips for Teachers

Remember to consider every child as an individual…No two students are alike!

To motivate students, center instruction around their likes and interests.

Create an environment rich in pictures, hands-on materials, and realia.

For My Students…

The Interactionist theory is most effective. My students learn best through meaningful

conversations with their teachers and peers. In addition, my students benefit from error

analysis and error correction. My students learn from the social interactions that occur in their learning environment.

In My Teaching…

I believe that the Interactionist theory is most effective and most evident in my teaching.

I value the social interactions of my students, and believe that they learn from them.

I encourage peer interaction in my learning environment.

Helpful Resources

http://thormay.net/lxesl/tesol/cycle1/sla/slaresources.htm

http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/language_stages.php

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li7lk12.htm

http://www.cal.org/resources/digest/0005contextual.html

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/curriculum/PDFs/ESL_Modifications.pdf

References

Chomsky, N. (2008). Noam Chomsky talks about universal grammar. Retrieved from http://www.usingenglish.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/19 .

Chomsky, N. (2000). The architecture of language. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Lenneberg, E.H. (1967) Biological foundations of language. New York: Wiley and sons.

Walqui, A. (2000). Contextual factors in second language acquisition. Retrieved from http://www.cal.org/resources/digest/0005contextual.html