second language learning

second language learning

1. first versus second language acquisition

   • psycholinguistic mechanism
     • L2 and L1 reconstruction of language
     • L2 learners are older than L1
       • more cognitive development
       • previous learning experience
     • Dwar and Burt (1974) theory
   • Acquisition of syntax
     • Innateness hypothesis
       • based on Chomsky
       • the ability to acquire language is unique to the human species
       • We inheritnthe ability genetically
   • Discourse acquisition
     • the perception of semantic and discourse of L2 and L1 learnersin written text has a high agreement

2. Role of chronological age

   • age-related differences
     • Ellis (1985)
     • Starting age...
       • does not affect the route of SLA
       • affects the rate of learning
       • and time of exposure affect the level of succes
   • Critical period
     • Biological changes on the brain
       • Two hemispheres functioning independently
       • These occur around puberty
       • Language function is in left hemisphere
     • 10 first years of life are optimum age for acquiring a second language
       • the brain retains its maximum plasticity

3. Effect of instruction on acquistion

   • morpheme order
     • knowledge of L2 grammar rules is different from the use of these rules for communication
   • conscious learning versus unconcious learning
     • memorize and identify grammar rules versus using the language for communicate meaning
   • developmental stages
     • teachibility hypothesis
   • comprehensive input and output
     • related to meaningful exposure and the opportunity to negotiate a communicative task