Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
Which theory suggests that language acquisition is influenced by the speaker's environment rather than mechanical repetition?
What is a common critique of behaviorism in the context of second language acquisition?
What aspect of language acquisition do Larsen-Freeman and Long believe is minimally addressed by S-R models?
Which hypothesis focuses on the interference of a learner's first language on their second language acquisition?
Signup and view all the answers
What do interlanguage studies aim to address in the context of second language acquisition?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of Krashen's Comprehension Hypothesis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which aspect does Schumann's Acculturation model address in Second Language Acquisition (SLA)?
Signup and view all the answers
What critique does Cook provide regarding Krashen's model?
Signup and view all the answers
In Krashen's view, what is the relationship between input and grammatical structure acquisition?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'strong affective filter' refer to in the context of second language acquisition?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Second Language Acquisition Theories
- Countless theories have been developed to explain SLA, but most focus on the acquisition of syntactic structures.
- Eight prominent theories are outlined, covering environmental, innate, interactionist, and sociocultural perspectives.
- Traditional behaviorism is deemed insufficient for explaining SLA, except perhaps in pronunciation and rote memorization.
Acculturation
- Acculturation, which is the social and psychological integration of the learner with the target language (TL) group, plays a crucial role in SLA.
- Social and psychological distance between learners and the TL group can significantly impact SLA success.
- This theory emphasizes the influence of the environment and social factors in language learning.
Universal Grammar Hypothesis
- This theory, in contrast to environmental perspectives, suggests that SLA is rooted in innate, universal principles of language.
- Its focus is on the inherent capacity for language acquisition rather than external influences.
Comprehension Hypothesis
- This theory posits that acquiring comprehensible input is essential for SLA.
- Subconscious acquisition is emphasized over conscious learning.
- A strong affective filter can hinder input from reaching the language acquisition parts of the brain.
- This theory proposes a linear relationship between input and acquisition, but lacks sufficient research evidence.
Interaction Hypothesis
- This theory acknowledges both innate and environmental factors in SLA.
- Negotiation for meaning, especially through interactional adjustments by native speakers, is considered crucial for facilitating acquisition.
- It connects input, learner capacities, selective attention, and output in a productive manner.
Output Hypothesis or Lingualization
- This theory challenges Krashen's emphasis on input and argues for the importance of output in SLA.
- Practicing the language and observing one's own production are crucial for progress.
Sociocultural Theory
- This theory, based on Vygotsky's ideas, views language learning as a socially mediated process.
- Language is a cultural artifact that mediates social and psychological actions within a specific culture.
- The concept of "scaffolding" provides support for learners from more competent individuals.
- This theory emphasizes the collaborative nature of learning and the importance of social interaction.
Connectionism
- This theory explains language learning as a distributed phenomenon occurring simultaneously in various parts of the brain.
- Learning is a complex process shaped by interactions at multiple levels, from brain to society.
- Simple learning mechanisms exposed to language data within a social environment drive the emergence of complex language representations.
- Connectionist studies utilize computer technology, including neural networks, to simulate and analyze language acquisition.
Emergentism
- This paradigm views SLA as a complex emergent phenomenon arising from interactions between different systems.
- Language development fluctuates between chaotic states and states of relative stability, and this interplay shapes the learner's language acquisition process.
Interlanguage
- Interlanguage acts as a "strange attractor," influenced by initial conditions and sensitive to small changes.
- Each phase of interlanguage development exhibits unique, yet interconnected patterns.
Unconscious Input in SLA
- Personal narrative examples illustrate that unconscious input, such as that from music, movies, and TV series, can significantly contribute to SLA.
- These examples highlight the multifaceted nature of language learning and the role of diverse input in shaping language proficiency.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the various theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) including environmental, innate, interactionist, and sociocultural perspectives. This quiz covers the role of acculturation and the Universal Grammar Hypothesis in understanding how languages are acquired. Test your knowledge on the factors that influence SLA.
