EL 103- MODULE 1.docx

COURSE MODULE IN EL 103 PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND LEARNING ==================================================================================== Course Title : Principles and Theories of Language Acquisition and Learning Course Description: =================== Most Essent...

COURSE MODULE IN EL 103 PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND LEARNING ==================================================================================== Course Title : Principles and Theories of Language Acquisition and Learning Course Description: =================== Most Essential Learning Outcomes: ================================= 1. To Identify various theories in first and second language acquisition 2. To describe the stages of second language acquisition 3. To differentiate between characteristics of language acquisition and language/learning 4. To understand the different approaches and functions of language acquisitions and learning Assessment Tasks: ================= At the end of each topic/lesson, questions will be asked to determine whether the students The Course Facilitator will give specific instructions with regard to submission of output. Separate guidelines will be made for the conduct of Midterm and Final Examinations. Academic Honesty ================ Modified Grading System: ======================== \- 50% -- -- ----------------------- --------------------- b\. Major Examination [- 50%] Total =100% Characteristics of Human Language ================================= 1. Language is a social tool. ============================= 2. Language must be learned. ============================ 3. The relationship between the sound of a language and their meaning is arbitrary and dual. ============================================================================================ 4. Language has rules. ====================== 5. Language allows human to be creative ======================================= **Language Acquisition vs. Language Learning** Language is about communication and identity (Baker, 2000:26). We need language to transfer and share information and to build relationships with the others. Bowen (1998) said that language is called the symbolization of thought. It is a learned code, or system of rules that enables us to communicate ideas and express wants and needs. Bowen further added that language falls into two main divisions, receptive language (understanding what is said, written or signed) and expressive language (related to speaking, writing or signing). Thus, language is simply defined by Richards et. al. (1992, p. 196) as the system of human communication which consists of the structures arrangements of sounds (or their written presentation) into larger units, e.g. morphemes, words, sentences, utterances. ========================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================= The process of perceiving language in an individual is by the processes of learning and acquisition. Learning is a conscious process, knowing the rules, being aware of them, and being able to talk about them. Whereas acquisition is a process by which children unconsciously acquire their native/first language(s). In language acquisition, the focus is on communication or reception of a message as opposed to syntax and grammar as is the case in language learning (Rice, Bruehler & Specker, 2004). Ebert & Hawk (2003). ====================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================== It is believed that the usual outcome of language acquisition is fluency, which is by no means guaranteed in language learning. =============================================================================================================================== **Nature of Learning** 1\. Learning is a process. 2\. Learning involves experiences and training of an individual which helps to change his behaviour. 3\. Learning prepare the individual to adjust and adopt in the situations. 4\. All learning is purposeful and goal oriented. 5\. Learning is universal and continuous. 6\. It is a continuous process and never- ending process that goes from womb to tomb. **7 Principles in Learning** (Dumont et. al. 2010) 1\. Learners at the center. 2\. The social nature of learning. 3\. Emotions are integral to learning. 4\. Recognizing individual difference. 5\. Stretching all students. 6\. Assessment from learning. 7\. Building horizontal connections. **First Language Acquisition vs. Second Language Acquisition** Baker (2000) stated children are born ready to become bilinguals and multilingual. They are like "sponges", as they sponges-up all languages provided by their environment and chances to interact with people of different language backgrounds. They would pick-up any language without endangering their own first language development. Lambert (1962) said that bilingual activity does not retard intelligence (in Garcia, 1986). To enhance children's bilingualism, a lot of stimulations to language are essential. In some situations, producing bilingual children is easy and natural, in others it can be a struggle. A lot of factors affect the process, such as encouragements from both of the parents at home and the community. In bilingual and multilingual community, there is a great need to master two or more languages for operating daily activities successfully. Therefore, this situation strongly supports the children's bilingualism. Language engineering or shaping is important in families that judge bilingualism as a challenge. This means that it is important that children's attitudes towards their languages are motivated and encouraged continuously. A variety of pleasurable environment for language growth is very important.