Unit 6 PDF - Language Acquisition

Week 6: 1. What is a key distinction between first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition? A) L1 is learned explicitly, whereas L2 is always learned implicitly B) L1 acquisition occurs only in childhood, while L2 acquisition occurs only in adulthood C) L1 acquisition occurs within a biol...

Week 6: 1. What is a key distinction between first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition? A) L1 is learned explicitly, whereas L2 is always learned implicitly B) L1 acquisition occurs only in childhood, while L2 acquisition occurs only in adulthood C) L1 acquisition occurs within a biological window, while L2 acquisition varies based on individual factors D) L2 acquisition is more dependent on universal grammar than L1 acquisition 2. Which of the following is considered an individual difference that affects L2 acquisition? A) Age B) Alphabet type C) Internet access D) Textbook availability 3. How does neuroplasticity affect language learning? A) It prevents adults from learning new languages B) It allows younger learners to acquire languages more intuitively C) It only influences the learning of first languages D) It has no effect on language acquisition 4. What does the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) propose? A) There is no relationship between age and language learning B) There is a limited time frame in which language learning is most effective C) Adults can never achieve fluency in a second language D) After puberty, language learning becomes impossible 5. According to Lenneberg (1967), what happens after the critical period ends? A) Language recovery and acquisition become significantly more difficult B) The brain increases its capacity for learning new languages C) Language learning continues as easily as before D) Only cognitive factors influence language acquisition 6. Which of the following researchers supported the idea that brain plasticity declines after puberty? A) Johnson & Newport B) Penfield & Roberts C) Chomsky D) Skinner 7. What does the strong version of the Critical Period Hypothesis suggest? A) Motivation is more important than age in language learning B) There is a strict deadline after which native-like proficiency is impossible C) All learners will eventually reach native-like proficiency D) Language learning is the same at all ages 8. What evidence supports the strong version of the CPH? A) Bilingual adults learning new languages faster than children B) Cases of feral children failing to acquire full linguistic competence C) All second-language learners achieving native-like pronunciation D) The ability of older learners to memorize vocabulary 9. What does the weak version of the CPH argue? A) After puberty, learning any language is impossible B) Native-like proficiency is guaranteed for all learners C) Although more difficult, near-native proficiency can be achieved after the critical period D) Age is not a factor in language learning 10. What factor contributes to younger learners' superior pronunciation in an L2? A) Greater neuroplasticity B) More access to grammar instruction C) Less motivation than adults D) Lower cognitive flexibility 11. What was a key finding of Johnson and Newport (1989)? A) Adults learn languages more efficiently than children B) Age of arrival in a country negatively correlates with language proficiency C) All second-language learners perform equally well regardless of age D) Universal Grammar plays no role in L2 acquisition 12. Which of the following is a limitation of the Critical Period Hypothesis? A) It ignores the role of motivation in language learning B) It assumes language learning is the same across all contexts C) It does not account for different educational backgrounds D) Some adult learners achieve near-native proficiency, contradicting strict interpretations 13. What is a key external factor influencing age effects in SLA? A) Brain plasticity B) Exposure to language C) Lateralization D) Working memory 14. What is the primary argument against the strict version of the Critical Period Hypothesis? A) Younger learners struggle more than adults B) Some late learners achieve native-like proficiency C) Language learning ability declines at age 5 D) Cognitive development is irrelevant to language learning 15. Which term describes the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections? A) Lateralization B) Syntax adaptation C) Neuroplasticity D) Language processing 16. What is the "maturational period" concept proposed by Hyltenstam and Abrahamsson (2000)? A) Language acquisition is possible only in childhood B) Motivation is the most important factor in SLA C) Maturation affects language learning without strict onset and offset phases D) There is no difference between child and adult learners 17. What is a common cognitive limitation affecting older learners? A) Reduced working memory capacity B) Increased exposure to the target language C) Higher motivation compared to younger learners D) Faster reaction times to language input 18. What advantage do adult learners have over children in SLA? A) More developed cognitive strategies B) Greater neuroplasticity C) Stronger native-like pronunciation D) Easier phonological acquisition 19. What did Birdsong & Molis (2001) conclude? A) Age has no impact on SLA B) Age effects level off after puberty, but some late learners achieve high proficiency C) Adults learn languages better than children D) The critical period lasts until age 20 20. Which factor is NOT a key individual difference in SLA? A) Handwriting style B) Age C) Working memory D) Prior language experience 21. What type of language input enhances learning at any age? A) Frequent exposure and interaction B) Learning lists of vocabulary C) Passive listening without engagement D) Grammar-focused instruction alone 22. What role does social context play in SLA? A) It has no effect on learning outcomes B) It provides motivation and interaction opportunities C) It only matters for younger learners D) It replaces the need for formal instruction 23. How does literacy influence SLA? A) Higher literacy skills improve reading comprehension in L2 B) It has no effect on second-language proficiency C) It only matters for writing skills D) It negatively impacts L2 acquisition 24. What factor can help adult learners compensate for age-related declines? A) Reduced cognitive effort B) Motivation and immersion C) Avoiding speaking the target language D) Relying solely on grammar exercises 25. What is an example of language forgetting? A) Rapid vocabulary growth in L2 B) Increased reliance on code-switching C) Improved pronunciation over time D) Enhanced syntactic structures 26. What does lateralization refer to? A) Memory retrieval strategies B) The specialization of brain hemispheres for language processing C) The ability to switch between languages D) The influence of culture on language learning 27. How do children in immersion programs benefit linguistically? A) They engage daily with fluent speakers B) They have fewer opportunities for practice C) They rely more on textbooks D) They learn slower than adults 28. What is a possible outcome of high motivation in L2 learning? A) Greater willingness to take risks in speaking B) Slower vocabulary retention C) Increased reliance on first language D) Reduced engagement in learning 29. What is one technological advantage for adult SLA learners? A) Access to language learning apps and feedback tools B) Increased reliance on translation C) Less need for language immersion D) Decreased need for practice 30. What is a key conclusion about age effects in SLA? A) Age influences learning, but other factors like motivation and exposure also matter B) Only young children can become fluent C) SLA is impossible after puberty D) Cognitive development is irrelevant