CRITICAL PERIOD HYPOTHESIS
The critical period hypothesis says that there is a period of growth in which full native competence is possible when acquiring a language.
This period is from early childhood to adolescence.
Example Older learners rarely achieve a near-native accent. Many people suggest this is due to them being beyond the critical period.
HEMISPHERIC LATERALIZATION
The human brain is composed of a right and a left hemisphere and each hemisphere participates in different aspects of brain function.
The corpus collosum connects the hemispheres of the brain.
Lateralization of function between the two hemispheres does occur but after injury other regions of cortex can often compensate.
There is no such thing as being 'left-brained' or 'right-brained'.
Functional lateralization often varies between individuals.
Cognitive, Affective and Linguistic Considerations
Cognitive considerations : Piaget: Intellectual development of a child
Singleton and Ryan (2004)-Vague lack of empirical data
Affective considerations:
Oneself-identity is inextricably bound up with one’s language
Empathy Self-esteem Extroversion Inhibition Imitation Anxiety Attitudes
Linguistics considerations:
Bilingualism-Code-switching Interference between L1 and L2- Solid foundation of L1Order of acquisition - Creative construction process
Interference between First andSecond LanguageInterference
It will inevitably occur in any situation where someone has an imperfect command of a second language
Interference from the first language does not imply that interference is the most important factor in adult second language acquisition.
Adults learning a second language manifest some of the same errors found in children learning their first language.
There are a series of implications for second language learning:
Competence and Performance
Adults can make choices between two alternative forms and they are sometimes aware of grammar in a second language but they are not able to verbalize rules and paradigms consciously in their native language.
Language and Thought
Language Whorf states that
language does not only voice ideas but also shapes them
Thought
It is the idea that language and its structures limit and determine human knowledge or thought.
J. B. Watson said : Thought is language; sub-vocal speech.
“think aloud” = speech; “speak covertly”= thinking.
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