Second Language Acquisition

Agenda

Class introductions and syllabus Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

quiz?!?! What is SLA? And other definitions Languages I know Who is a “good” language learner? What

are the characteristics needed to be a good language learner? Was/Am I a good learner?

What’s the truth?

I have a twin sister. When I was younger, I wanted to be an

actress. I can speak eight languages. I can play three instruments: piano, flute,

and guitar. I hate eating mushrooms, bananas, and

beets, but I actually like eating Kimchi.

Essential Questions

What is Second Language Acquisition? What is the difference between a “first

language” (L1) and a “second/target language” (L2)?

How will knowledge of this field help me as an English teacher?

What is Second Language Acquisition (SLA)?

Study of individuals and groups who are learning another language besides their native language.

How (the process) of learning that language.

L2 (Second Language) Target language (the aim or the goal of

learning).

Informal vs. formal learning

Informal= “naturalistic” contexts; outside of the classroom

Formal= in classrooms

Where does most of the language learning take place?

The 3 BIG Questions

What exactly does the L2 learner come to know? (What do they learn at the end of the language learning context?)

How does the learner acquire (learn) this knowledge?

Why are some learners more successful than others?

SLA= COMPLEX

Linguists= Characteristics of the differences and similarities in the languages they are being learned

Psychologists and psycholinguists= mental or cognitive processes

Sociolinguists=understanding the meaning of what is being said.

Social psychologists=group processes

What is a second language?

What is the difference? Second Language Foreign Language Library Language Auxiliary Language

Definitions Second Language- A language needed for

education, employment, and other basic purposes. (Immigrants)

Foreign Language- Travel or studied at school; no immediate or practical application.

Library Language- Used for further learning through reading.

Auxiliary Language- Meant for communication between people from different countries who don’t share a similar language. (The United Nations)

What is a first language?

L1, Native language, primary language, mother tongue

Acquired during early childhood Learned in “naturalistic settings” as part of

people growing up among people who speak them.

Your Language Experience

List all of the languages you know. Classify them as L1 or L2. Further classify the L2s as “second”,

“foreign”, “library”, or “auxiliary”. How did you learn these languages?

(School, “naturalistic”) How well do you know these languages?

Characteristics of a “good” language learner

What does it mean to be a “good” language learner?

What skills do good language learners need to possess?

Do you think that you are a “good” or “poor” language learner? Why or why not?

Do you think your students are “good” or “poor” language learners? Why or why not?

One Minute Note

What did you learn today?

What did you not understand from today’s class?

What would you like to learn more?