Language Acquisition (SLA) Overview 12
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Questions and Answers

Which of these fields is not a major contributor to Second Language Acquisition (SLA)?

  • Linguistics
  • Pedagogy
  • Sociology (correct)
  • Psychology

What is the defining characteristic of a 'Foreign Language' (FL) compared to a 'Second Language' (SL)?

  • It is the language used in education, workplace, and media.
  • It is typically used in formal settings such as schools.
  • It may be relevant for travel or business.
  • It is used in the learner's immediate social context. (correct)

What is the primary focus of learning a 'Language for Specific Purposes' (LSP)?

  • Understanding the history and culture associated with the language.
  • Developing general communication skills.
  • Acquiring language for specific tasks and situations. (correct)
  • Achieving fluency in all aspects of the language.

What is the key difference between L1 (first language) acquisition and L2 (second language) acquisition?

<p>L1 acquisition is based on innate capacities, but it is unclear whether L2 acquisition is. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided information, which of these statements is true about the 'Initial State' of L2 acquisition?

<p>It is influenced by the learner's prior language knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the term used to describe any language that is the aim of learning?

<p>Target language (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major approaches to language acquisition mentioned in the content?

<p>Observational and logical (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the content as an aspect of language acquisition?

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

What does SLA stand for?

<p>Second Language Acquisition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'L2' refers to a language that is...

<p>learned after the first language (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of 'informal L2 learning'?

<p>Learning a language through immersion in a foreign country (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what distinguishes 'formal L2 learning' from 'informal L2 learning'?

<p>Formal L2 learning takes place in an institutionalised setting. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the lecture being discussed in the content?

<p>The differences between first language acquisition and second language acquisition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical framework views language as a system of communication, focusing on performance rather than competence?

<p>Functionalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the 'Principles and Parameters Model' and the 'Minimalist Program'?

<p>The Principles and Parameters Model deals with more abstract notions than the Minimalist Program. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the Prague School?

<p>It views language as a tool for communication and performance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language learning is emphasized by the concept of 'functional typology'?

<p>The grammatical similarities and differences between L1 and L2. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between L1 and L2 learning, according to the provided content?

<p>The presence of a native language influences L2 learning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of 'function-to-form mapping'?

<p>How language is used to express different functions or meanings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of Generative Grammar?

<p>It emphasizes the importance of social context in language learning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following factors is NOT considered a necessary condition for L2 learning?

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

The content suggests that the innate capacity to learn language might be lost after childhood. This implies that later language learning relies heavily on:

<p>Conscious effort and cognitive processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'linguistic interferences' refer to in the context of SLA?

<p>The influence of L1 on L2 acquisition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content presents two contrasting perspectives on L2 learning. What are the main differences between these perspectives?

<p>One emphasizes innate capacity, while the other emphasizes transfer of L1 knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the field of SLA?

<p>Cognitive load (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be considered a 'facilitating condition' for L2 learning?

<p>Aptitude for language learning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'learner language' refer to, as used in the content?

<p>The language used by individuals who are learning a second language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to success in L2 learning?

<p>Knowledge of the native language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the content indicate the significance of the native language in L2 learning?

<p>It highlights the importance of transferring L1 knowledge to L2. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what are the key factors that can facilitate or inhibit development in intermediate L2 learners?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of L1 acquisition that is not necessarily mirrored in L2 acquisition?

<p>The completion of basic phonological, grammatical, and lexical skills by age 6 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The provided text suggests that L2 learners may experience "negative transfer." What does this term refer to?

<p>The application of L1 rules to the L2, leading to errors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of "fossilisation" in L2 learning?

<p>The stagnation of L2 progress at a specific level of development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between L1 and L2 acquisition in terms of reaching native competence?

<p>L1 learners typically achieve native-like fluency, while L2 learners rarely do (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT specifically mentioned as a facilitator or inhibitor of L2 learning, according to the provided text?

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

In what way does the provided text differentiate between L1 and L2 acquisition in terms of motivation?

<p>L2 learners are typically motivated by external factors, while L1 learners are internally motivated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in terms of the final state of language acquisition between L1 and L2 learning?

<p>L1 learners achieve complete native language competence, while L2 learners often reach a point where they “fossilize” and do not reach native competence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the key idea of usage-based approaches to language?

<p>Language is a dynamic system shaped by the patterns and frequencies of usage in a speech community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'construction' in the context of usage-based approaches?

<p>A conventionalized pattern of language use, encompassing various levels of complexity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates a construction at the level of morphology?

<p>She's a real workaholic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between 'abstraction' and 'schematization' in construction grammar?

<p>Abstraction is a result of schematization, where patterns are generalized from concrete examples. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a fully lexicalized construction, as described in the text?

<p>Good morning! (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is NOT mentioned in the provided text as a keyword related to language study?

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

Based on the provided text, how would you describe the relationship between 'competence' and 'performance' in language?

<p>Competence refers to the underlying knowledge of a language, while performance is the actual use of the language in real situations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'fossilisation' in second language acquisition?

<p>The tendency for errors or features of the learner's first language to become permanently ingrained in their second language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

The process of learning a second language, involving various fields such as linguistics and psychology.

L1 vs L2

L1 refers to a person's first language, while L2 is their second language, which may develop under different conditions.

Language for Specific Purposes (LSP)

A type of language learning focused on specific fields, like business or aviation, rather than general communication.

Foreign Language (FL)

A language that is not the native language of the speaker, often studied for travel or business opportunities.

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Initial state in L1 vs L2

L1 development is driven by innate capacity, whereas L2 development's innate capacity can vary.

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Usage-based approaches

Language is viewed as formulaic, shaped by constructions in speech communities.

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Constructions

Form-function mappings that are recognized in different levels of language.

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Morphology example: -aholic

Suffix indicating addiction to something, like 'workaholic'.

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Idioms

Phrases with meanings not deducible from individual words, e.g., 'It’s driving me nuts!'.

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Construction grammar

The study of how constructions are stored and varied in complexity in language.

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First language acquisition

The process by which humans learn their native language naturally.

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Markedness

The concept that some language forms are more complex or rare than others.

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Positive transfer

When a learner’s knowledge of one language helps in learning another.

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Structuralism

A linguistic framework focusing on the underlying structure of language.

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Generative Grammar (GG)

A theory that explains linguistic creativity and competence.

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Functionalism

A linguistic approach focusing on language use in communication contexts.

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Principles and Parameters

An extension of Generative Grammar that introduces abstract concepts in language structure.

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Minimalist Program

A theory that seeks to explain language with the simplest principles possible.

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Neurolinguistics

The study of how language is processed in the brain.

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Complexity Theory

An approach that views language as a complex adaptive system.

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Computer-Mediated Communication

The study of how language is affected by computer interaction.

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L2 Learning

The process of acquiring a second language beyond one's first (L1).

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Facilitating Conditions

Factors that can either help or hinder L2 development.

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Feedback in L2 Learning

Responses provided to learners on their language use, which can include error correction.

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Aptitude

An individual's natural ability to learn a language, including memory and analytical skills.

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Motivation in L2 Learning

The desire or need that drives an individual to learn a second language.

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Native Linguistic Competence

The fluency and mastery of a language as a native speaker.

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Near-Native Competence

A level of proficiency in L2 that closely resembles that of native speakers.

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Fossilisation

When L2 learners retain errors or non-native structures in their language use permanently.

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L1 knowledge

The knowledge acquired from a person's first language.

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Innate capacity

The natural ability to learn languages, present from birth.

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Transfer

The influence of L1 on the learning of L2.

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Prior knowledge

Existing knowledge or skills that affect new learning.

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Motivation

The drive or reason behind a person's effort to learn a language.

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Feedback

Information provided to learners about their performance.

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First Language Acquisition (FLA)

The unconscious learning of one's native language during early childhood, typically within the first 6-7 years.

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Target Language (TL)

Any language that is the aim of learning, including second, third languages, etc.

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Formal L2 Learning

Language learning that occurs in an institutional setting, often structured with curriculum.

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Informal L2 Learning

Naturalistic language learning without formal instruction, often through immersion.

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Interlanguage

The evolving language system that learners create while acquiring a second language.

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Dynamic Process

A process that changes and evolves over time, reflecting learners' experiences.

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Language Acquisition Pathways

The predictable stages or routes followed during the language learning process.

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Study Notes

Language Acquisition (2)

  • The lecture will focus on second language acquisition (SLA)
  • First language acquisition (FLA) is the process of acquiring a native language during the first 6 or 7 years of life.
  • Second language acquisition (SLA) is the acquisition of any language after the first language.
  • Two major approaches to language acquisition are observational and logical approaches.
  • Language acquisition is a dynamic process, but it follows predictable pathways.
  • Acquisition involves phonology, lexis, and grammar.

Today's Lecture

  • The lecture will cover: Introduction, Foundations of SLA, SLA frameworks, Interlanguage, Functional approaches

SLA - A More Detailed Definition

  • Second Language Acquisition (SLA) studies individuals and groups learning a language after acquiring their first language.
  • Additional languages are referred to as second (L2), third (L3), etc. or target language (TL).
  • Target language acquisition can vary.
  • Target language can be acquired informally (naturalistic context) or formally (institutionalized settings).
  • SLA is highly interdisciplinary, drawing mainly on linguistics, psychology, and pedagogy.

Different Meanings of L2

  • Second language (SL) is an official or societally dominant language used in education, workplaces, and media, often by immigrants or former colony members.
  • Foreign Language (FL) is not used in the learner's immediate social context, relevant for travel or business, and may be taught in a classroom.
  • Language for specific purposes (LSP) focuses on a very limited context (e.g., hotel management, aviation, agriculture).

Self-Study Activity

  • Students should consider their language acquisition and learning career.

Foundations of SLA: First vs. Second Language Development

  • Children are born with an innate capacity to acquire language
  • Innate capacity to learn a second language is a debated topic.
  • Some argue that inherent capacity remains throughout life, while others suggest its loss after childhood.
  • Prior knowledge of L1 is a major component of L2 learning.
  • Language development, including cognitive development and interactional functions.

Foundations of SLA: Intermediate State–Processes

  • L1 and L2 learning exhibit systematic and predictable phenomena.
  • Child grammar is correlated with cognitive abilities.
  • Cross-linguistic influence (transfer) from L1 to L2 can be positive (correct) or negative.
  • L1 structures or rules that also work in L2 do not need to be learned.

Foundations of SLA: Intermediate State – Necessary Conditions

  • Language input is necessary for both L1 and L2 learning.
  • Face-to-face social interaction facilitates SLA.
  • Some individuals acquire high proficiency in L2 from radio, television, or written text.

Foundations of SLA: Intermediate State–Facilitating Conditions

  • L1 development may be facilitated or inhibited by social and individual factors.
  • Feedback, including corrections of errors, influences L2 learning.
  • Aptitude, memory capacity, motivation, desire to learn, and instruction in L2 settings positively impact development.

Foundations of SLA: Final State

  • L1 culminates in native linguistic competence encompassing phonological, grammatical, and lexical/interactional skills.
  • L2 may reach near-native competence, although native linguistic competence is impossible to reach.
  • In most L2 learning, progress may cease at some point in the learning career.
  • L2 includes possible L1 interference and might develop different structures from what a native speaker would produce.

SLA Frameworks Overview

  • Linguistic, Psychological, and Social frameworks are used to describe SLA.

SLA Frameworks: Linguistic

  • Internal focus on underlying competence of language.
  • External focus on performance, communication, and language as a system.
  • Functional typology, similarities between languages for L2 learning, function-to-form mapping, and grammaticalization.

SLA Frameworks: Psychological

  • Learning processes, immediate social context, travel or business, and curricular contexts with no direct applications.
  • Learner differences focusing on success, emotional involvement, motivation, anxiety, biological differences, age and sex.

SLA Frameworks: Social

  • Microsocial (immediate social context, variation in learner language, sociolinguistics, accommodation theory, comprehensible input, foreigner talk).
  • Macrosocial (ethnography of communication, social psychology, status of L1 and L2, circumstances of learning, the difference between informal/formal and naturalistic/instructed learning).

Interlanguage

  • Interlanguage (IL) refers to the intermediate states or interim grammars of learner language, moving towards L2.
  • IL systems are systematic and dynamic during language acquisition.
  • IL systems can be variable.
  • Reduced forms and function are typical system characteristics of IL.

Interlanguage: Typical Processes

  • Language transfer (positive and negative) is a factor in SLA.
  • SLA processes differ from FLA.
  • Learners approach materials and tasks related to L2 learning and learning communication strategies.
  • Overgeneralization and fossilization are noted in SLA.

Functional Approaches

  • Functional typology focuses on classifying languages and their features into categories to compare similarities and differences.
  • Markedness is used to account for developmental stages, where a feature is unmarked if it's frequent.
  • Markedness differential hypothesis predicts L2 will be easy to learn with less complexity.

Functional Approaches: Usage-Based

  • The usage-based approach prioritizes the linguistic input and cognitive mechanisms used for learning.
  • The assumption is that language is formulaic and based on constructions.
  • Structures and morphemes are analyzed for usage-based approaches.

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Language Acquisition (2) PDF

Description

This quiz covers key concepts in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), focusing on its foundations, frameworks, and approaches. Understand the dynamic nature of language learning beyond the first language and explore crucial elements such as phonology, lexis, and grammar. Dive into the intricacies of both first and second language acquisition processes.

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