The distinction between First and Second Language and the different Theories of Language Learning & Language Acquisition.

1. A.P.Tacderas
First and Second Language:
Theories of Language
Learning & Acquisition

2. This report will cover the following topics:
A.
B.
C.
Language: An Overview
Learning vs. Acquisition
First Language vs. Second Language
Stages of Language Acquisition
C. Theories of Language Learning & Acquistion
What is language?
How do we learn a langauge?
What’s the difference?

3. INTRODUCTION

4. What is Language?
Language is a system of conventional spoken, manual
(signed), or written symbols by means of which human
beings, as members of a social group and participants
in its culture, express themselves. (Britannica
Encyclopedia)

5. If language is a shared system within a social group,
is the language existing within that group
learned or acquired?

6. • Language acquisition
refers to the natural
assimilation of
languages, by means of
intuition and
subconscious learning.
If we want to
“learn” about a
language, we
have to “acquire”
it first.
• Result of direct instruction
on the rules of language
that comprises a conscious
process which result in
conscious knowledge “about”
the language (ex. Grammar
rules)

7. Distinction between
First and Second
Language

8. First Language
Second Language
• individual’s acquisition of
their native language
• acquisition of a certain
language after acquiring the
mother tongue; language for
public communication
• learned through a
subconscious process
• occurs actively and
consciously
• does not require explicit instructions or
education
• requires explicit instruction and
education
• speakers are fluent in their first language
• often difficult to reach a native-like
fluency

9. Stages of Second Language Acquisition
They use short bits of
language that they have
memorized
STAGE II: EARLY PRODUCTION
. They will ask simple
questions, that may or
may not be
grammatically correct
STAGE III: SPEECH EMERGENT
start using more complex
sentences and should be
able to express basic
thoughts and opinions
STAGE IV: INTERMEDIATE
FLUENCY
All language learmers are
fluent in this stage
Silent period where students
will not produce language
but are parroting.
STAGE I: PRE-PRODUCTION
STAGE V: ADVANCE
FLUENCY

10. Theories of Language Learning & Acquisition
A. BEHAVIORIST THEORY
B. F. Skinner
C. NATIVIST THEORY
Noam Chomsky
F. SCHUMMAN’S ACCULTURATION
John Schumann
E. KRASHEN’S MONITOR
Stephen Krashen
D. Lev Vygotsky
B. COGNITIVE THEORY
Jean Piaget
SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY
B. NEUROFUNCTIONAL THEORY
Lamendella
F. ACCOMODADTION THEORY
Howard Giles

11. Behaviorist Theory
• operant conditioning
- use of positive and negative reinforcement
to change behaviors
- desirable behaviour is rewarded -positive
reinforcement
x
- undesirable behaviour is punished or
simply not rewarded – negative
reinforcement
x
- Audiolingual & error correction/prevention
TABULA RASA
- our mind is completely black at birth
B. F. Skinner

12. Nativist Theory
• Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
- “language organ” responsible for learning a
language
(black box)
• aphasia
language disorder
caused by damage
in a specific area
of the brain that
controls language
expression and
comprehension
• Universal Grammar (UG)
- suggests that the ability to learn grammar is
built into the human brain from birth
regardless of language
Noam Chomsky
Language is innate.

13. Cognitive Theory
• Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
- acquisition of language happens within the
context of a child's mental or cognitive
development
Jean Piaget

14. Neurofunctional Theory
Lamandella
- attempts to characterize the
neurolinguistic information processing
systems responsible for the
development and use of language
• Primary language acquisition (2-5 yrs.
old) & Secondary Language Acquisition
(5 onwards)
Communication hierarchy
- Acquisition in natural environment
Cognitive Hierarchy
- Practice and drills

15. Critical Point Hypothesis
- a biologically determined period of life when
language can be acquired more easily and beyond
which time language is increasingly difficult to
acquire. (Brown, 2007)
Erick H. Lenneberg

16. Sociocultural Theory
• Interactionist Approach
- Learning a language with the desire to
communicate with the world
- - language emerges and dependent upon social
interaction
- learning is a social process
Lev Vygotsky

17. • Five Hypotheses of Krashen’s Theory
The Acquisition-learning Hypothesis
- Speech isn’t the priority. Listening is.
The Input Hypothesis
- Language-learning comes from having access to
comprehensible input
The Monitor Hypothesis
- As we develop, we build an internal filter designed
to prevent us from making mistakes
The Natural Order Hypothesis
- Language has layers and complexities
The Affective Filter Hypothesis
- people should learn in a near-zero/zero stress
environment.
Stephen Krashen
Krashen’s Second Language Acquisition

18. - acquisition process of a second language (L2) by members
of ethnic minorities that typically include immigrants,
migrant workers, or the children of such groups
- language-learning as a necessity more than pleasure
John Schumann
Schumann’s Acculturation Theory
Acculturation
- transfer of values and customs
from one group to another
▪ Attitude Factor
▪ Cohesiveness
▪ Cultural Congruence
▪ Enclosure
▪ Integration pattern
▪ Intended length of
residence
▪ Size factor
▪ Social dominance

19. IMPLICATIONS OF L2LAT TO CLASSROOM-BASED SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
• provide feedback (positive/constructive) to learners that allow
them to monitor their own language learning
• create learning growth by constantly setting new behavioral
goals and then continuing to reward the appropriate behaviors
• device activities that will assess students’ progress as basis for
the language teaching
AS LANGUAGE TEACHERS IT IS IMPORTANT TO:

20. IMPLICATIONS OF L2LAT TO CLASSROOM-BASED SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
• allow learners to learn at their own pace, but providing them
guidance on the process
• make the language learning process interactive and
performance-based
• provide language learners activities that are authentic, mirrors
real-life interaction, & simulates skills needed globally
AS LANGUAGE TEACHERS IT IS IMPORTANT TO:

21. IMPLICATIONS OF L2L TO CLASSROOM-BASED SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
• motivating learners to acquire English as L2 will enable
them to effectively function in the modern global
marketplace
• Developing students’ L2, enables students to acquire two
necessary skills in the 21st century: Collaboration &
Communication

22. References:
Orillos, L. (n.d.). Language acquisition theories, principles and
research. UP Open University
Haynes, J. (2002). Stages of second language acquisition. Rode Ridge
High School. Retrieved from:
https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?PageType
Bohren, A. (2018). What is language acquisition theory? 3 top theories of
how we learn to communicate. Cognifit. Retrieved from:
https://cognifit.com/en/language-acquisition-theory/
Khan Academy (2016). Theories of the early stages of language
acquisition. Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-
prep/mcat/processing-the-environment/language/a/theories-
of-the-early-stages-of-language-acquisition
Robertson, K. & Ford, K. (209). Language Acquisition: An Overview.
Retrieved from:
https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-
overview