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Foundations of Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) studies how individuals learn a second language (L2) after their first language (L1), influenced by cognitive, linguistic, social, and psychological factors. Key theories include Behaviorist, Nativist, Cognitive, and Sociocultural perspectives, highlighting the importance of input and interaction in language learning. Effective strategies for L2 learning involve immersion, regular practice, and multimedia use, emphasizing that success requires effort, instruction, and motivation.

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Kamran Abdullah
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22 views

Foundations of Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) studies how individuals learn a second language (L2) after their first language (L1), influenced by cognitive, linguistic, social, and psychological factors. Key theories include Behaviorist, Nativist, Cognitive, and Sociocultural perspectives, highlighting the importance of input and interaction in language learning. Effective strategies for L2 learning involve immersion, regular practice, and multimedia use, emphasizing that success requires effort, instruction, and motivation.

Uploaded by

Kamran Abdullah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Foundations of Second Language


Acquisition
Introduction
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the study of how individuals learn a second language (L2)
after acquiring their first language (L1). It explores cognitive, linguistic, social, and
psychological factors that affect language learning.

What is a Second Language (L2)?


• Definition: Any language learned after the first (native) language.
• SL vs. FL:
o Second Language (SL): Used regularly in daily life (e.g., English in India,
Pakistan).
o Foreign Language (FL): Learned for travel or communication with native speakers,
not used daily (e.g., British English in Pakistan).

Global Perspective on Multilingualism


• Over 60% of the world is bilingual or multilingual.
• Examples:
o Canada: English & French
o India: Hindi, English, and regional languages
o Switzerland: German, French, Italian, Romansh

Why Do People Learn a Second Language?


• Personal Interest: Love for languages, cultures, travel
• Education: Academic growth and research
• Professional Growth: Career advancement, higher salary
• Immigration & Integration: Adapting to new countries and societies

Factors Affecting Second Language Learning


1. Age of Acquisition: Younger learners tend to gain fluency more easily.
2. Exposure & Immersion: Regular interaction accelerates learning.
3. Cultural & Social Context: Societal support or resistance affects motivation.
4. Motivation & Attitude: A strong will and positive attitude improve outcomes.
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The Nature of Language Learning


• Naturalistic Learning: Unstructured learning through conversation, media, and daily use.
• Formal Learning: Classroom-based learning with grammar rules, tests, and textbooks.

1. Behaviorist Theory

• Key Contributor: B.F. Skinner (American psychologist)


• Presented: Around the 1950s
• Main Idea: Language is learned through imitation, practice, and positive
reinforcement.
• Explanation: Skinner believed that children learn language by copying what they hear
from adults. When they say something correctly, they get rewarded or praised, so they
repeat it again. For example, if a child says “mama” and the mother smiles, the child
learns to use the word again.

2. Nativist Theory

• Key Contributor: Noam Chomsky (Linguist and philosopher from the USA)
• Presented: Around the 1960s
• Main Idea: Humans are born with a special ability to learn language, called the
Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
• Explanation: Chomsky disagreed with Skinner and said that children don’t just copy
language—they are naturally programmed to learn it. Even if no one teaches them
grammar, they still figure it out. This shows that language learning is something built into
our brain.

3. Cognitive Theory

• Key Contributor: Jean Piaget (Swiss psychologist)


• Presented: From the 1930s to 1950s
• Main Idea: Language develops as part of a child’s overall mental development.
• Explanation: Piaget said that children learn language as they grow and learn to think and
solve problems. Before learning words, they understand objects and actions in their
mind. Language comes after thinking. For example, before saying “ball,” a child
understands what a ball is and how it rolls.
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4. Sociocultural Theory

• Key Contributor: Lev Vygotsky (Russian psychologist)


• Presented: In the 1920s–1930s (but became popular later)
• Main Idea: Language is learned through social interaction with others.
• Explanation: Vygotsky believed that children learn language by talking and interacting
with parents, teachers, and friends. He introduced the idea of the Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD)—the space between what a child can do alone and what they can do
with help. Language learning happens best with support from others.

The Role of Input and Interaction


Comprehensible Input (Krashen’s Input Hypothesis)

• Key Contributor: Stephen Krashen (American linguist and educational researcher)


• Presented: In the 1980s
• Main Idea: Language learners acquire a second language when they receive input
(language) that is slightly above their current level (known as i + 1).
• Explanation: Krashen believed that listening and reading materials that learners can
mostly understand, but that also include a few new words or grammar points, help them
grow in the language naturally — without being forced to speak immediately.
• Example: A beginner listening to a simple English story with a few new words will
gradually pick up the language.

Challenges in Learning an L2
• Pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds
• Complex grammar structures
• Vocabulary memorization and recall
• Cultural expressions and context

L1 vs. L2 Learning: A Comparative View

Feature L1 Learning L2 Learning

Age of Acquisition From infancy After age 5 or later


Learning Environment Natural, immersive Formal or limited exposure
Acquisition Method Implicit Often explicit and intentional
Memory Type Procedural (automatic) Declarative (rules, facts)
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Feature L1 Learning L2 Learning

Grammar Learning Absorbed naturally Taught explicitly


Pronunciation Native-like May include accent
Vocabulary Acquisition Through context Through deliberate practice
Error Correction Happens naturally Formal correction and feedback
Motivation For communication Academic, career, or personal reasons
Fluency Fast and subconscious Slower and effortful

Similarities Between L1 and L2 Learning


• Both require input and practice.
• Involve all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Errors and corrections are a natural part of the learning process.

Effective Strategies for L2 Learning


• Immersion: Surround yourself with the language in real-life settings.
• Practice: Regular speaking and writing enhance proficiency.
• Multimedia Use: Watch films, listen to music/podcasts, read books.
• Think in L2: Avoid translating from L1—develop direct thinking in the new language.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways


• SLA combines both natural and structured learning methods.
• Multilingualism is a global reality—most people speak more than one language.
• L1 vs. L2: L1 is acquired naturally; L2 requires effort, instruction, and motivation.
• Success in SLA relies on quality input, interaction, and consistent practice.

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