Philosophy of Second Language Acquisition

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Questions and Answers

What is the "general genetic law of cultural development" as described by Vygotsky?

  • Higher mental functions develop through biological processes only.
  • Individuals can learn and develop independently from social settings.
  • Social interaction is vital to shaping higher mental functions. (correct)
  • Learning and mental functions are entirely independent of social interaction.

According to Vygotsky, how does internalization of social patterns transform individual development?

  • It involves a change in the structure and function of the internalized process, leading to self-regulation. (correct)
  • It eliminates the influence of social contexts on higher mental functions.
  • It creates a direct copy of the social experience, replicating it on the individual plane.
  • It is a simple transfer of knowledge from others to the individual.

How does Vygotsky's view of higher mental functions challenge Piaget's theory?

  • Vygotsky claims that higher mental functions are static while Piaget views them as constantly developing.
  • Vygotsky suggests that higher mental functions are innate while Piaget emphasizes the role of learning.
  • Vygotsky believes that higher mental functions develop through individual exploration while Piaget focuses on social interactions.
  • Vygotsky argues that higher mental functions are influenced by social factors while Piaget emphasizes biological pre-disposition. (correct)

The statement "Vygotsky's SCT undermined Piaget's claim that higher mental functions unfold independent of social contexts and they are not influenced by external processes" implies that:

<p>Vygotsky's theory expands on Piaget's by recognizing the fundamental influence of social interactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Vygotsky's theory, how does the sociocultural plane play a role in the development of higher mental functions?

<p>It provides the environment and tools necessary to transform natural development into higher mental functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of second language learning, what does "inner speech" refer to?

<p>The process of silently forming sentences in one's head. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the "participation metaphor" differ from the "acquisition metaphor" in second language learning?

<p>The participation metaphor focuses on the social aspects of language learning, while the acquisition metaphor emphasizes cognitive processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the second language inner speech model?

<p>Development of abstract reasoning skills. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the study examining the appropriation of gestures in L2 learners?

<p>To compare the gesture usage of naturalistic learners with instructional learners. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between "naturalistic learners" and "instruction-only learners" of a second language?

<p>Naturalistic learners acquire the language primarily through immersion and social interaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between gestures and "the discovery of language" as described by Vygotsky?

<p>Gestures precede a child's ability to use words and represent a pre-linguistic stage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason for the expected difference in English expression skills between L2 learners?

<p>L2 learners may face difficulties in expressing themselves due to cultural differences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following metaphors emphasizes the role of social participation in the second language learning process?

<p>The participation metaphor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Vygotsky, how does egocentric speech evolve as a child develops?

<p>It transforms into inner speech, a silent dialogue within the mind. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between inner speech and external speech according to Vygotsky?

<p>Inner speech is formed through the process of internalising external speech, not vice versa. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of inner speech as characterized by Vygotsky?

<p>A combination of words and images, with a fluid, unstable nature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vygotsky attribute to inner speech in higher mental functions?

<p>It plays a crucial role in planning, monitoring, and regulating our actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to McCafferty's research on private speech in SLA, what is the anticipated relationship between L2 proficiency and the use of private speech?

<p>Increased L2 proficiency leads to a decrease in the use of private speech. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of disagreement between Russian and Western psychologists regarding Vygotsky's theories?

<p>The relationship between activity theory and sociocultural theory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument presented about the connection between egocentric speech and inner speech?

<p>Inner speech emerges directly from egocentric speech. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Vygotsky's view of inner speech contrast with the traditional view of egocentric speech?

<p>Vygotsky emphasizes the importance of inner speech as a tool for cognitive development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) represent, according to Vygotsky?

<p>The difference between what a child can do alone and what they can achieve with assistance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Vygotsky, what is the main function of speech?

<p>To mediate between interpersonal and intrapersonal planes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between 'actual development' and 'potential development' in the ZPD?

<p>Potential development is always higher than actual development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Vygotsky's theory, what role does egocentric speech play in the development of higher mental functions?

<p>It marks the beginning of the transition from interpersonal to intrapersonal thought. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the characteristics of egocentric speech?

<p>It resembles interpersonal speech but lacks some grammatical features. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to egocentric speech as a child transitions from the interpersonal to the intrapersonal plane?

<p>It transforms into inner speech, used for private thought and problem-solving. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of egocentric speech, according to Vygotsky?

<p>It provides insights into the structure and development of human higher mental functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the ZPD relate to the role of adults and peers in a child's development?

<p>Adults and peers play a crucial role in providing scaffolding and support within the ZPD. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Vygotsky's SCT

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory emphasizes the role of social interaction in cognitive development.

Higher Mental Functions

Cognitive processes like rational thought that develop through social activity.

Internalization

The process where social patterns become individual cognitive functions.

Interpsychological vs Intrapsychological

Interpsychological refers to social relationships, while intrapsychological involves internal mental processes.

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General Genetic Law of Cultural Development

Cultural functions appear first socially and then within individuals, transforming in the process.

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Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The distance between what a child can do alone and with guidance.

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Actual Development Level

The skills a child can perform independently without assistance.

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Potential Development Level

The skills a child can achieve with assistance or collaboration.

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Role of Language in Development

Language helps organize mental activities and regulates behavior.

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Interpersonal Speech

Speech used in communication between people.

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Intrapersonal Speech

Speech directed to oneself, aiding personal thought processes.

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Egocentric Speech

Speech that helps a child solve problems but lacks grammar.

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Inner Speech

The evolved form of egocentric speech used for self-guidance.

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Second Language Inner Speech

The internalized knowledge of L2 that helps express thoughts.

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L1 Knowledge

The knowledge of a first language used in learning a second language.

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Vygotsky's Gestures

Conventional substitutes for words used before understanding language.

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Naturalistic Condition

Learning a second language in an environment where it is spoken daily.

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Instruction-Only Condition

Acquiring a second language primarily through formal instruction.

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Bounded Container Gestures

Gestures associated with specific cultural meanings, often used in communication.

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Participation Metaphor

Views language learning as becoming part of a community rather than just acquiring rules.

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Acquisition Metaphor

Previously dominant view of language learning as a process of cognitive accumulation.

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Vygotsky's View

Vygotsky believed egocentric speech evolves into inner speech rather than disappearing.

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Verbal Thought

Thinking involving meanings rather than phonetics, associated with higher mental functions.

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Private Speech

Self-regulatory speech aiding cognitive growth, often utilized by learners.

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SLA (Second Language Acquisition)

The process of learning a second language, influenced by private speech.

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Role of Private Speech in SLA

Private speech may diminish as second language proficiency increases.

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Activity Theory

A theory connecting sociocultural practices within learning contexts, linked to Vygotsky's ideas.

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Study Notes

Author and Publication Information

  • Author: Marysía Johnson
  • Institution: Arizona State University
  • Department: English
  • Program: Linguistics/TESL
  • Publication Year: 2004
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Publication Location: New Haven & London

A Philosophy of Second Language Acquisition

  • Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory (SCT):
    • Genetic method of analysis: Thorough analysis of human mental processes across phylogenesis, sociocultural history, ontogenesis, and microgenesis is needed for a complete understanding of human mental functions.
    • Sociocultural origin of higher mental functions: Higher mental functions (rational thought, learning) originate in social activity. Social relations form the foundation for these functions.
    • Internalization: Social activities are internalized, transforming the process and its structure.
      • Interpersonal plane: Social, historical, and institutional functions external to the individual
      • Intrapersonal plane: Internalized patterns of social activities within the individual
      • Self-regulated stage: individual takes control of higher mental processes.
      • Mediated function of sign systems: Language is crucial; mediating the transition from interpersonal to intrapersonal plane
  • Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD):
    • The difference between a child's actual developmental level and their potential developmental level, as determined by problem-solving activities.
    • Essential for learning and development
    • Learning awakens a variety of internal developmental processes, only possible during interaction with others and through collaboration.
  • Higher Mental Functions:
    • Develop through internalization of patterns observed in social activity.
  • Mediated Role of Language:
    • Language is a key mediator between interpersonal and intrapersonal planes.
    • Egocentric speech, a precursor to inner speech, transitions from external to internal; enabling the development of thought and planning.
  • Inner Speech:
    • Thought becomes embodied in inner speech.
    • Characteristics: Less phonetic & syntactic details, more emphasis on meaning (sense, not just meaning), agglutination of meaning, and conceptualization.
  • Activity Theory:
    • The relationship between sociocultural and activity theory is still debated.
    • Western psychologists tend to merge these theories, while Russian counterparts see more discrepancies.
    • Learning is a social activity; individual participants' actions are influenced by communal factors, personal histories, cultural context, and motivation and, consequently, learning outcomes in these contexts are diverse.
  • Implications for SLA (Second Language Acquisition):
    • Vygotsky’s theory is important for understanding how social interaction and cultural context influence L2 development, and it guides methodologies focused on promoting active participation and collaboration.
  • Gestures in SLA
    • Gestures play a role in L2 development.
    • Learners in differing contexts will have differing levels of understanding of how to use gestures, which are often culturally influenced.

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