Language Acquisition

Adquisición De laLengua

Γλωσσική απόκτηση

Acquisition De Langue

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Acronyms & symbols

L ڶ1: L ڶ2:LAD:

First LanguageSecond LanguageLanguage Acquisition Device

ڶ Attention classroom teachers

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Characteristic of L1& L2

AcquisitionDevelopmental sequences There are predictable patterns

in the emergence and development of the Language.

It is important to know the developmental stage of our students to realize what language features they are ready to acquire.6/2/20

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First language AcquisitionTheoretical ApproachesBeh aviori

smLanguage learningis the result of imitation, and practice.

InnatismEverything is in here

Children are biologically programmed for language acquisition, Chomsky referred to that as “universal grammarIn t e r a c tio n

ism

In a supportive interactive environment, a child is able to advance to a higher level of knowledge and performance than he/she would be capable independently, Vygotsky concluded that language develops completely from social interaction

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First language AcquisitionTheoretical Approach & the

Teacher’s Role As a regular classroom teacher, we might want

to adopt one or more of the above approaches to address our L1 or L2 learners according to the learner’s need

We may need to consider instructions that require more repetition or imitation, like listening to some directions or sentences and then repeat them or follow them.

In other situations, it might be better to stimulate the LAD at the right time paying attention to the role of universal grammar.

Otherwise, we might need to expose the learner to interactive environment, like encouraging working in groups or peer work, or running a conversation about a specific topic.

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Second Language Acquisition

FactorsAffecting

Second Language Acquisition

Age

Attitude, Aptitude and Motivation

Preferences and Beliefs

Personality and Intelligence

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Second Language AcquisitionAnd the Teacher’s role

If we understand the learner’s aptitude and his/her attitude toward the target language , we would be able to find out the best ways to generate motivation through formal and informal instructions.It is of great necessity to not only know our learners’ learning styles, but also help them feel the ownership of choosing the style that better improve their performance.As educators, weneed to pay a special attention to the students’ age when learning the language, and accordingly choose the appropriate instructions.

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Second LanguageAcquisition

It would be more beneficial if we respect the learners’ opinions about how they think the instructions should be delivered to them.

Being aware of the learners’ characteristics such as self esteem, empathy, and inhibition will help us find the best ways to serve them through the appropriate instructions.

We can not rely on only one test or one way to assess the learner’s proficiency level, IPT.

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Differences between L1/ L2

L1Learner has no prior knowledge to use while learning. Learner start learning as

infant.There is plenty of time for the learner to learn the language.The learner metalinguistic awareness is not well developed while learning.Brain plasticity play a significant rule in the learner’

L 2Learner has learned some knowledge from L1 like universal grammar and language transfer. Learner can start in any age.

There is no plenty of time for the learner to learn the language.The learner metalinguistic awareness might be well developed while learning the language. Brain plasticity play noڶrole in the learner’s learning process.

6/2/2011learning process.

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Similarities between L1 / L2

Both require exposure to the language . Critical period is significant if stimulated in the right time.

Developmental sequence is observed in both.

Learning happens almost in the same way. Interactive environment is beneficial forڶboth learners.6/2/2011

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References

Lightbrown, P. M., & Spada, N. (1999).How Languages are Learned. Oxford University Press:Oxford Eng.

Notes from the course, projects review, Articles reviews and other reading from the course.

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