The document discusses second language acquisition. It explains that learners acquire specific L2 knowledge like vocabulary, morphology, phonology, syntax, and discourse, but their L2 system is neither identical to their L1 nor a native language. Learners acquire language through innate abilities, applying prior knowledge, processing input, interaction, restructuring their L2 system, and automatization. Some learners are more successful due to social context, social experience, the relationship between their L1 and L2, age, aptitude, motivation, and quality of instruction received. While no single factor guarantees success, a combination of these influences impacts L2 learning outcomes.

1. Language Acquisition
Second Term
Activity 2.4
Andrea Vallejo
Learner acquires L2 knowledge

2. What does the L2 learner come to
know?
• The L2 system is never exactly like the
learner´s L1, however nor is it ever exactly the
same as of its native speakers.
• Components of L2- SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Vocabulary, Morphology, Phonology, Syntax,
Discourse

3. How does the learner acquire L2
knowledge?
• Innate capacity.-Language learners are not
merely passive recipients of “stimuli.” There is a
creative force involved in language
development
• Application of prior knowledge-
application of what has been acquired
as part of general cognitive
development, as well as of all prior
social experience.
• Processing of language input-

4. How does the learner acquire L2
knowledge?
• Interaction-Benefits come from collaborative
expression, modified input, feedback (including
correction), and negotiation of meaning.
•Restructuring of the L2 knowledge
system- reorganization takes place from
time to time during the process of SLA,
presumably as perceived L2
input cannot be accommodated within the
learners’ existing system
of knowledge.
• Automatization.- Automatization is an
incremental achievement upon which efficient
and effective engagement in all language activities
ultimately
depends.

5. Why are some learners more
successful than others?

6. Social context-
Status of L1 and L2,
boundary and
identity factors
within and between
of L1 and L2 speech
communities
Social Experience-
Significant influence
on ultimate success
because social
variables are
complex and not
easy to control

7. Relationship
of L1 and L2
Not all L2 are the same
to learn for all L1s
L1 knowledge
important of
all L2 initial
state
Genetic,
Typological,
Historical
relationships
yield differential
possibilities

8. Age- Younger learners have advantage in
brain plasticity, older learners have
advantage in learning capacity
Aptitude- learners differ in capacities and
memorization although this is an important
predictor in successful learning its not
completely deterministic
Motivation- determines level of effort at
various learning stages, a key to succeed yet
does not have any advantage in terms of
achievement.
Instruction- quality of such makes formal L2
learning differences. However there is no
“best method” instead a combination of
many is the wisest approach.