Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Their Impact on the Classroom

Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Their Impact on the Classroom

1. How We Acquire Language: Stephen Krashen

   • Input Comprehensible
   • Use pictures, drawings, etc. to help language acquisition
   • We all acquire language the same way.
   • We acquire language when we understand messages.

2. BCIS

   • After 2 years, learner will be speaking english fluently and decode the language.
   • 2 to 3 years
   • Ability to converse and understand everyday discussions
   • Jim Cummins

3. Universal Grammar: Noam Chumsky

   • All human language rests on innate building blocks.
   • Based on interactions of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
   • Example is using a sentence in three different languages. No matter the language, it tells the same story.

4. CALP

   • 1 to 2 years
   • Ability to read, write, read, and speak at an academic level.
   • Jim Cummins

5. The Critical Period

   • Eric Lenneerg
   • 1967
   • Between age two and puberty
   • Ability to learn language is negatively affected by the completion of the process of lateralization.

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