unit 6
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Questions and Answers

What is a key distinction between first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition?

  • L1 acquisition occurs only in childhood, while L2 acquisition occurs only in adulthood
  • L2 acquisition is more dependent on universal grammar than L1 acquisition
  • L1 is learned explicitly, whereas L2 is always learned implicitly
  • L1 acquisition occurs within a biological window, while L2 acquisition varies based on individual factors (correct)

    • Which of the following is considered an individual difference that affects L2 acquisition?

  • Age (correct)
  • Alphabet type
  • Textbook availability
  • Internet access

    • How does neuroplasticity affect language learning?

  • It only influences the learning of first languages
  • It has no effect on language acquisition
  • It allows younger learners to acquire languages more intuitively (correct)
  • It prevents adults from learning new languages

    • What does the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) propose?

    <p>There is a limited time frame in which language learning is most effective (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Lenneberg (1967), what happens after the critical period ends?

    <p>Language recovery and acquisition become significantly more difficult (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following researchers supported the idea that brain plasticity declines after puberty?

    <p>Johnson &amp; Newport (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the strong version of the Critical Period Hypothesis suggest?

    <p>There is a strict deadline after which native-like proficiency is impossible (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence supports the strong version of the CPH?

    <p>Cases of feral children failing to acquire full linguistic competence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the weak version of the CPH argue?

    <p>Although more difficult, near-native proficiency can be achieved after the critical period (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributes to younger learners' superior pronunciation in an L2?

    <p>Greater neuroplasticity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key finding of Johnson and Newport (1989)?

    <p>Age of arrival in a country negatively correlates with language proficiency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a limitation of the Critical Period Hypothesis?

    <p>Some adult learners achieve near-native proficiency, contradicting strict interpretations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key external factor influencing age effects in SLA?

    <p>Exposure to language (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary argument against the strict version of the Critical Period Hypothesis?

    <p>Some late learners achieve native-like proficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections?

    <p>Neuroplasticity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the "maturational period" concept proposed by Hyltenstam and Abrahamsson (2000)?

    <p>Maturation affects language learning without strict onset and offset phases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cognitive limitation affecting older learners?

    <p>Reduced working memory capacity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage do adult learners have over children in SLA?

    <p>More developed cognitive strategies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Birdsong & Molis (2001) conclude?

    <p>Age effects level off after puberty, but some late learners achieve high proficiency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT a key individual difference in SLA?

    <p>Handwriting style (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of language input enhances learning at any age?

    <p>Frequent exposure and interaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does social context play in SLA?

    <p>It provides motivation and interaction opportunities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does literacy influence SLA?

    <p>Higher literacy skills improve reading comprehension in L2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor can help adult learners compensate for age-related declines?

    <p>Motivation and immersion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of language forgetting?

    <p>Increased reliance on code-switching (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does lateralization refer to?

    <p>The specialization of brain hemispheres for language processing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do children in immersion programs benefit linguistically?

    <p>They engage daily with fluent speakers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible outcome of high motivation in L2 learning?

    <p>Greater willingness to take risks in speaking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one technological advantage for adult SLA learners?

    <p>Access to language learning apps and feedback tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key conclusion about age effects in SLA?

    <p>Age influences learning, but other factors like motivation and exposure also matter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    L1 vs. L2 Acquisition

    L1 is learned biologically; L2 varies across individuals.

    Individual Difference in L2

    Factors that affect how individuals learn a second language, such as age.

    Neuroplasticity

    The brain's ability to reorganize itself, aiding language learning.

    Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH)

    Language learning is most effective in a limited age range.

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    Post-Critical Period Changes

    Language acquisition becomes harder after the critical period ends.

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    Brain Plasticity After Puberty

    Brain's ability to learn languages decreases after puberty.

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    Strong CPH Version

    Native-like proficiency is not achievable after a certain age.

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    Evidence for Strong CPH

    Feral children show failure in language development, supporting the CPH.

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    Weak CPH Version

    Near-native proficiency can still be achieved after the critical period ends.

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    Younger Learners' Pronunciation

    Younger learners tend to have better pronunciation due to neuroplasticity.

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    Johnson & Newport Finding

    Age of arrival in a country negatively correlates with language proficiency.

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    Limitation of CPH

    It doesn't account for motivation and varying language experiences in adults.

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    External Factors in SLA

    Exposure to language significantly impacts language acquisition.

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    Criticism of Strict CPH

    Some adults can still achieve near-native proficiency, challenging the strict view.

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    Neuroplasticity Defined

    The brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections.

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    Maturational Period Concept

    Maturation influences language learning without strict timelines.

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    Cognitive Limitations in Older Learners

    Older learners may have reduced working memory capacity affecting language learning.

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    Adult Learners' Advantages

    Adults often use more developed cognitive strategies than children.

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    Birdsong & Molis Conclusion

    Age effects in SLA level off after puberty; some still learn well.

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    Non-Key SLA Individual Difference

    Handwriting style is not considered a significant factor in SLA success.

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    Enhancing Language Learning

    Frequent interaction and exposure are key for all ages.

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    Social Context in SLA

    Social interactions provide motivation and enhance language practice opportunities.

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    Literacy's Impact on SLA

    Higher literacy skills improve second-language reading comprehension.

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    Compensation for Age Declines

    Motivation and immersion help adult learners mitigate age effects.

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    Language Forgetting Example

    Increased reliance on code-switching may indicate language forgetting.

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    Lateralization Defined

    The specialization of brain hemispheres for different language functions.

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    Children in Immersion Programs

    They benefit from daily interactions with fluent speakers, improving their skills.

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    High Motivation Outcome

    More motivation leads to greater risk-taking in speaking a new language.

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    Technology in Adult SLA

    Access to language learning apps enhances adult learners' experiences.

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    Conclusion on Age Effects

    Age matters, but factors like motivation and exposure also influence SLA.

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    Study Notes

    Week 6 Study Notes

    • L1 vs. L2 Acquisition: First language (L1) acquisition is typically explicit and occurs in childhood, whereas second language (L2) acquisition can vary based on individual factors. L1 acquisition is often tied to a biological window, while L2 acquisition may not be as strictly bound.

    • Individual Differences in L2 Acquisition: Age, alphabet type, internet access, and textbook availability are some individual factors that affect L2 acquisition.

    • Neuroplasticity and Language Learning: Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, allows learners of all ages to acquire languages. However, younger learners might acquire languages more intuitively due to neuroplasticity. It doesn't prevent, and is not a factor in limiting, language learning.

    • Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH): The Critical Period Hypothesis suggests that there is a limited time frame in which language learning is most effective, though its strong version argues that near-native proficiency is impossible after a certain age. A weaker version allows for near-native proficiency after this period, but says it's more difficult.

    • Post-Critical Period Language Learning: According to Lenneberg (1967), language recovery and acquisition may become significantly more difficult after the critical period.

    • Researchers and Brain Plasticity: Some researchers, like Johnson and Newport, have studied age effects on second language acquisition by focusing on brain plasticity. Others focus on other limitations of the Critical Period Hypothesis.

    • Strong vs Weak CPH: The strong version of the Critical Period Hypothesis suggests that age is the primary factor for reaching native-like proficiency, while the weak version argues that it is a significant contributing factor, but proficiency is still possible.

    • Evidence for the Strong CPH: Evidence for the strong version of the CPH includes cases of feral children encountering difficulty acquiring full linguistic competence.

    • Evidence against the Strong CPH: Counterexamples are bilingual adults learning new languages faster than children, and some cases where late language learners are able to achieve near-native proficiency.

    • Brain Lateralization and SLA: The specialization of brain hemispheres for language processing may affect SLA (second language acquisition).

    • Key External Factors influencing age effects: External factors such as exposure to the target language, and working memory also influence age-related effects in SLA.

    • Brain's Ability to Reorganize: Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize and form new connections throughout life.

    • Maturation Period Concept: Hyltenstam and Abrahamsson (2000) proposed a "maturational period" concept in language acquisition, noting that maturation affects but is not constrained by strict onset and offset phases.

    • Common Cognitive Limitation in Older Learners: Reduced working memory capacity is a common cognitive limitation affecting older learners of a second language.

    • Advantages of Adult Learners: Adult learners may have more developed cognitive strategies and increased access to language learning tools and resources—greater motivation is a key consideration for both age groups.

    • Language Input and Learning: Frequent exposure and interaction with the target language is important for learning at any age.

    • Literacy's Influence in SLA: Higher literacy skills typically improve reading comprehension skills for second languages.

    • Factors Helping Adult Learners: Motivation, immersion, and a variety of teaching methods may help adult learners compensate for the differences related to age.

    • Language Forgetting: Rapid vocabulary growth in a second language can also lead to forgetting and reliance on different learning strategies.

    • Social Context's Role in SLA: Social context plays a significant role in SLA by providing motivation and interaction opportunities.

    • Technology in SLA: Access to language learning apps and feedback methods can be particularly useful for adult learners.

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    Unit 6 PDF - Language Acquisition

    Description

    Explore the differences between first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition in this quiz. Understand key concepts such as individual differences, neuroplasticity, and the Critical Period Hypothesis. Dive into how these factors influence language learning abilities across different ages.

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