This document summarizes theories of second language acquisition. It discusses four focus areas: transfer, where learners apply first language features to the second language; interlanguage, the language system learners develop between the first and second languages; motivation, which is important for learning and can be instrumental or integrative; and input and output, the importance of receiving input and producing output in the second language. It also briefly introduces the concepts of communicative competence, involving accurate, appropriate, and flexible language use, and applied linguistics, which deals with practical language issues.

1. Theories on Second Language Acquisition
DARREN REY C. JAVIER
LING 501: Introduction to Linguistics

2. Focus onthe Learner
a.Transfer
b.Interlanguage
c.Motivation
d.Input and Output
• “errors” were regarded
negatively and had to be avoided
and eradicated.

3. a. Transfer
• also called “crosslinguistics influence”
• means using sounds, expressions or
structures from the L1 when performing in
the L2.
1. Positive Transfer
• the L1 and L2 have similar features (e.g.
marking plural on the ends of nouns), then
the learner may be able to benefit.
2. Negative Transfer
• transferring an L1 feature that is really
different from (e.g. putting the adjective
after the noun).

4. b. Interlanguage
•the language produced by L2
learners contains a large
number of “errors” that seem
to have no connection to the
forms of either the L1 and L2.

5. c. Motivation
• the motivation to learn is
important.
1.Instrumental Motivation
*they want to learn the L2 in
order to achieve other goal.
2.Integrative Motivation
*they want to learn the L2 for
social purposes.

6. d. Input and Output
•receiving input (hearing the
L2) and producing output
(speaking the L2)

7. Communicative Competence
• the ability to use language accurately,
appropriately, and flexibly.
COMPONENTS:
A.GRAMMATICAL COMPETENCE
*involves the accurate use of words and
structures
B.SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCE
*involves the appropriate use of language
C.STRATEGIC COMPETENCE
*the ability to organize a message
effectively

8. Applied Linguistics
•it represents an attempt to
deal with a large range of
practical issues involving
language (not only L2
learning).