Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

Nota:

• SLA-Second Language Acquisition. This is the learning of a different language after an initial language is learned completely.

1. Stephen Krashen
   1. All people acquire language the same way
      1. Individual Variation
         1. We learn language when we understand the message.

            Nota:

            • Krashen believes that we acquire language best when the information being told is understood. Words and grammar mean very little if the purpose of the language is not displayed.
      2. Independent Learning
         1. Observation of and listening to language

            Nota:

            • During the pre-production stage of SLA, there is little to no speech. This is known as the "silent period," and usually lasts about 6 weeks. A major amount of language is learned during this stage.
2. Jim Cummins
   1. BICS

      Nota:

      • BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills)- This acronym, created by Jim Cummins, describes the small amount of language learned in the early years of life.
      1. Conversational Fluency

         Nota:

         • Conversational fluency represents one's ability to communicate socially.
   2. Discreet Language Skills
      1. Rule-governed aspects of language

         Nota:

         • Language consists of items that must be organized and rules that must be followed. These inclue phonics, grammar, and spelling.
   3. CALP

      Nota:

      • CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)- This acronym represents an ELL's ability to interpret and produce complex aspects of language (i.e. textbooks and other writings).
      1. Academic Fluency

         Nota:

         • Along with one's ability to communicate socially, it is necessary for one to be able to interpret and produce information, therefore making him academically fluent.
3. Noam Chomsky
   1. Universal Grammar

      Nota:

      • Chomsky believed that all languages were universal and are made of the same parts.
      1. Nouns
      2. Verbs
      3. Adjectives