Section 3: Second Language Acquisition

• If Critical Period Hypothesis is correct:

  • has implications for the acquisition of a second language, particularly in late adolescence or adulthood

  Adults tend to use conscious methods of learning, which differs from instinctive “acquisition” mechanism that some linguist believe to be operating in children when they learn their first language

  • Therefore, our consideration of SLA must vary accordingly. What are the factors that can influence the acquisition of a second language?
• Krasher’s Theory - 5 point category theory about second language acquisition:

  1. Acquisition Learning Hypothesis: believes that there's distinction between language acquisition and language learning

  • In language acquisition, the student acquires language unconsciously. This is similar to when a child picks up their first language. 
  • Language learning happens when the student is consciously discovering and learning the rules and grammatical structures of the language.
• Krasher’s Theory - 5 point category theory about second language acquisition:

  
  

  2. Monitor Hypothesis: belief that learner is consciously learning the grammar rules and functions of a language rather than its meaning; focuses more on the correctness of the language

  • To use this hypothesis properly, 3 standards must be met:
  • The acquirer must know the rules of the language
  • ......must concentrate on the exact form of the language.
  • ....must set aside some time to review and apply the language rules in a conversation because of limits of regular conversations
• Krasher’s Theory - 5 point category theory about second language acquisition:

  
  

  3. Natural Order Hypothesis: Based on the finding that language learners learn grammatical structures in a fixed and universal way. There's a sense of predictability to this kind of learning, similar to how a speaker learns their first language.

  • Therefore, can be formulated that this process is as much innate as is learned
  • Therefore, it should not be used as a language program syllabus
• Krasher’s Theory - 5 point category theory about second language acquisition:

  
  

  4. Input Hypothesis: Only concerned with the acquisition of the second language. More concerned about how language is acquired rather than learned.

  • Exposes learners to comprehensible input may mean communicating with them with child-like language, visual cues like hand motions, or rewording, results in best acquisition
  • states that learner naturally develops language as soon as the student receives interesting and fun information
• Krasher’s Theory - 5 point category theory about second language acquisition:

  
  

  5. Affective Filter Hypothesis: “Affective variables” play a facilitative role in 2nd Language Acquisition

  • language acquisition can be affected by emotional factors, like motivation, self confidence, and anxiety
  • High affective filter = less likely to learn
  • learning environment must be positive and stress-free = student is open for input (ex. immigrant students speaking publicly in class affected by lack of pratice and lack of 2nd LL in environment)
• Implications of L1 on 2nd Language Acquisition:

  • Knowledge in L1 makes L2 input more comprehensible
  • Literacy is transferable
  • Input - major determinant of learning outcomes
  • Input frequency increases overall achievement both in speed and accuracy
  • Once established L1, internalized mapping is activated
• Implications of L1 on 2nd Language Acquisition:

  
  

  Cross Linguistic Transfer

  • L2 reading ability is jointly predicted by L1 reading ability and L2 proficiency
  • Corresponding reading sub-skills in L1 and L2 are systematically related (Universal Grammar)
  • L1 morphological awareness (segment words and find meaning) contributes to success in L2 reading development