The Foundations of Second Language Acquisition Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a complex process involving the learning of a language beyond one's native tongue. Unlike first language acquisition (FLA), which occurs naturally in early childhood, SLA is influenced by cognitive, social, and psychological factors that shape the learning process. SLA is an interdisciplinary field drawing from linguistics, psychology, education, and cognitive sciences. Researchers study how second languages are acquired, what factors contribute to success or failure, and how learning processes differ from those of a first language. Understanding the foundations of SLA is essential for language educators, linguists, and policymakers who seek to improve language learning experiences. A fundamental difference between first and second language acquisition lies in the role of age, exposure, and cognitive development. First language acquisition occurs in an environment where the learner is constantly exposed to the language from birth, making it an intuitive and natural process. In contrast, SLA often takes place in a structured environment such as a classroom or through interactions with speakers of the target language. Unlike young children, who acquire their first language effortlessly, second language learners often struggle with aspects such as pronunciation, grammar, and fluency. Additionally, while native language acquisition generally leads to complete proficiency, SLA outcomes vary significantly among individuals. Some learners achieve near-native fluency, while others retain a strong accent or make persistent grammatical errors. This variability has led researchers to explore different theories to explain how second languages are acquired and why some learners are more successful than others. One of the earliest theories of SLA is the behaviorist perspective, which was popularized by B.F. Skinner in the mid-20th century. According to this theory, language learning is based on habit formation, where learners acquire linguistic structures through imitation, repetition, and reinforcement. In this view, correct language use is reinforced through positive feedback, while incorrect forms are discouraged. While behaviorism explains certain aspects of language learning, such as vocabulary acquisition and pronunciation, it fails to account for the creative use of language. Learners often produce novel sentences they have never heard before, which suggests that language learning involves more than mere repetition and reinforcement. This limitation led to the emergence of the innatist perspective, spearheaded by Noam Chomsky. Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar (UG) argues that humans possess an innate capacity for language acquisition. He proposed that all languages share fundamental grammatical principles and that learners are born with an inherent ability to acquire language. In SLA, the UG hypothesis suggests that second language learners may still have access

1. Foundations of Second
Language Acquisition
M. Samsul A.
Afandi
Second Language Acquisition

2. Name : M. Samsul A. Afandi
Class : 4A
Birthday : December 26
Hobby : Photograph, Book
Me

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 The World of Second
Languages 02 The Nature of Language
Learning
03 L1 vs. L2 Learning 04 The Logical Problem of
Language Learning
05 Frameworks for
Studying SLA

4. INTRODUCTION
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the process by which
people learn a language other than their native one.
Understanding SLA helps in language teaching,
learning, and research. This presentation covers the
fundamental concepts, including learning processes,
differences between L1 and L2, and various theoretical
perspectives.

5. The World of
Second Languages
0
1

6. The World of Second Languages
Global distribution of L1 and L2
speakers:
Some languages are spoken more
widely as second languages than as
first languages.
Challenges in collecting linguistic
data:
Many factors, such as political issues
and self-reporting biases, affect
accurate data collection.
Multilingualism is common
worldwide:
Many individuals and societies use
multiple languages daily
Differences between L1 and L2:
First languages are acquired
naturally, whereas second languages
often require structured learning.

7. The Nature
of Language
Learning
02

8. The Nature of Language Learning
Innate capacity
for language
learning:
Humans are
born with the
ability to
acquire
language
naturally.
Role of social
experience in
acquisition:
Interaction with
speakers in
meaningful
contexts
enhances
learning.
Differences
between formal
and informal
learning:
Classroom
instruction differs
from learning
through
immersion in real-
world situations.

9. L1 vs. L2 Learning
03

10. Initial State:
L1 is acquired naturally from birth, while
L2 learning depends on age, exposure,
and motivation.
Processes:
SLA involves cognitive functions (memory,
problem-solving), social influences (peer
interaction), and environmental exposure
(immersion, structured teaching).
Conditions for learning:
Factors such as quality of input,
opportunities for interaction, and personal
motivation affect success in acquiring an
L2.
Intermediate States:
Learners progress through different
developmental stages before reaching
proficiency.

11. The Logical
Problem of
Language
Learning
04

12. Poverty of the
Stimulus
Constraints &
Principles
Certain grammatical structures
seem to be universally
present in all languages.
Universal Patterns
Stages of language
development are similar
across different languages
and learners.
Children acquire complex
grammar structures without
explicit instruction,
suggesting innate linguistic
knowledge.

13. Frameworks for
Studying SLA
05

14. Frameworks for Studying SLA
Linguistic
Approach
Psychological
Approach
Social Approach
Internal Focus: Examines how grammar and syntax are structured in
different languages.
External Focus: Looks at how language functions in real-world
communication.
Brain functions in language acquisition: Studies neurological and
cognitive mechanisms behind learning.
Learning processes, cognitive strategies, individual differences:
Investigates how memory, attention, and motivation affect SLA.
Microsocial: Examines interactions at the individual and group levels,
including identity formation and language choices.
Macrosocial: Explores cultural, political, and economic factors that shape
language learning environments.

15. SLA involves
multiple
disciplines:
Linguistic,
Psychological,
and Social
perspectives all
contribute to
understanding
how languages
are learned.
Chapter Summary
L1 and L2
acquisition
share
similarities but
differ in
processes:
While both
involve cognitive
and social
factors, L2
acquisition is
more variable.
Several
theoretical
frameworks
contribute to
SLA research:
Different
perspectives
provide unique
insights into
language
learning.
SLA success
depends on
cognitive,
social, and
contextual
factors:
Learning
outcomes are
influenced by
motivation,
exposure, and
learning
environments.

16. Discussion Questions