Learning to speak and write one’s native language well is often challenging enough; acquiring these skills in a second language requires even more effort, commitment, and practice. Show
Mechanics of second language acquisitionEach language has its own set of rules for speaking and writing the language properly, and individuals trying to learn a new language often blur the lines between which set of rules to use. Second language learners also face a certain degree of fear or anxiety about tackling a new language, which can, in turn, affect how easily or how well they acquire a second language. Ann E. Oliveri, a teacher with 30 years of experience teaching English as a second language (ESL), describes second language acquisition as a learning continuum because the person learning a new language “progresses from no knowledge of the new language to a level of competency closely resembling that of a native speaker.” Five stages of second language acquisitionProponents of second language acquisition theories, including Oliveri and Judie Haynes, another ESL teacher with 28 years of experience, identify five distinct stages of second language acquisition as originally espoused by linguist Stephen Krashen. These include the following: 1. Silent/receptiveThis stage may last from several hours to several months, depending on the individual learner. During this time, new language learners typically spend time learning vocabulary and practice pronouncing new words. While they may engage in self-talk, they don’t normally speak the language with any fluency or real understanding. This stage is controversial among language educators. Ana Lomba disagrees that second language learners are totally silent while they are in this first learning stage. Instead, Lomba states that “speech is fundamental in language acquisition” and learners excel in language acquisition when they apply what they learn as they learn it. 2. Early productionThis stage may last about six months, during which language learners typically acquire an understanding of up to 1,000 words. They may also learn to speak some words and begin forming short phrases, even though they may not be grammatically correct. 3. Speech emergenceBy this stage, learners typically acquire a vocabulary of up to 3,000 words, and learn to communicate by putting the words in short phrases, sentences, and questions. Again, they may not be grammatically correct, but this is an important stage during which learners gain greater comprehension and begin reading and writing in their second language. 4. Intermediate fluencyAt this stage, which may last for a year or more after speech emergence, learners typically have a vocabulary of as many as 6,000 words. They usually acquire the ability to communicate in writing and speech using more complex sentences. This crucial stage is also when learners begin actually thinking in their second language, which helps them gain more proficiency in speaking it. 5. Continued language development/advanced fluencyIt takes most learners at least two years to reach this stage, and then up to 10 years to achieve full mastery of the second language in all its complexities and nuances. Second language learners need ongoing opportunities to engage in discussions and express themselves in their new language, in order to maintain fluency in it. The key to learning a new language and developing proficiency in speaking and writing that language is consistency and practice. A student must converse with others in the new language on a regular basis in order to grow their fluency and confidence. In addition, Haynes says it’s important for students to continue to work with a classroom teacher on a specific content area related to the new language such as history, social studies or writing. You may also like to readTags: English Language Development, ESOL, Language Arts Learning a second language involves various stages that language learners experience. My experience learning English as a second language involved positive and negative sentiments. For this reason, second language acquisition stages are important to understand and recognize.  Stages of Second Language AcquisitionMany publications and researchers discuss and reference the stages of second language acquisition as a 7 to 10 years process. For newcomers, second language acquisition is not the only challenge they experience. For instance, English language learners must also learn to navigate a new school, classmates, teachers, and administrators. As a new ESL student, I felt anxious during my first few days of school. I recall being afraid to speak in English during the first weeks of school. Each time I got to use my native language I felt some relief. This was because I knew was understood when I got to use my native language. Students learning a language experience several stages of language acquisition during the language development process. For this reason, the stages of language acquisition vary and depend on an individual’s prior language experience. Research about second language acquisition indicates that language learners benefit from using their native language. For example, the use of a native language facilitates second language learning. However, not every language learner is able to use their native language while learning a second language. What influences second language acquisition?There are various factors that influence second language acquisition. For example, educational background and native language proficiency are two important factors to consider. A strong educational foundation allows the learner to cope and acquire another language with ease. This is because they have the experience of learning in an academic environment. These kids are able to transfer what they learn during the second language acquisition process. Native language proficiency will also play an important role in language learning. Subsequently, a well-developed first language facilitates learning a second language. This is because a child uses their first language learning experience to strategically learn another language. The experience of learning a second language may also vary over time. The following stages describe how a person acquires a language. Learners progress through five predictable stages described below. Preproduction StageAt the pre-production stage, a student is not yet able to speak the target language. In other words, this stage is often referred to as the silent period. It is called the silent period because a child is not yet able to use what s/he understands. Although at this stage a learner cannot yet speak. One begins to understand more language slowly. This includes basic words such as “hello, come here”. He/she may also be able to say simple words.
Kathleen Flynn, Source: Adapted from Krashen and Terrell (1983) Early Production StageMeanwhile, in the early production second language acquisition stage, a child begins to speak using more words and sentences. The student focuses on listening and absorbing the new language. When speaking many language errors may occur. A learner begins to use short sentences such as “how are you”. Additionally, s/he may understand short sentences and be able to answer using single words such as, “fine or good”.
Kathleen Flynn, Source: Adapted from Krashen and Terrell (1983) Speech Emergent StageAt the speech emergence stage, a student has good comprehension. Additionally, a learner can produce simple sentences, use more phrases, and ask questions. Grammatical and pronunciation errors are often made during this stage. The learner engages in more conversations but is conscious of their language learning process. Interpreting happens for a less period of time because language becomes more fluent. However, jokes and idioms are not always understood.
Kathleen Flynn, Source: Adapted from Krashen and Terrell (1983) Intermediate Fluency StageDuring the intermediate fluency stage, a learner communicates and writes using more complex sentences. As a result, a student has excellent comprehension skills. In addition, he/she engages in academic learning more independently. Second Language Acquisition StagesGet an infographic! In this stage, you’ll see fewer grammatical and pronunciation errors. Students are much more comfortable using the language. Additionally, less interpreting happens in the brain to communicate and understand.
Kathleen Flynn, Source: Adapted from Krashen and Terrell (1983) Advanced Fluency StateOnce a language learner reaches advanced fluency he/she has acquired a near-native level of speech. At this moment, a language learner masters academic language. In addition, language use becomes automatic. Although grammatical errors are no longer an issue pronunciation errors may occur. These pronunciation errors may occur because of an accent. An accent may appear depending on the age that language learning began.
Kathleen Flynn, Source: Adapted from Krashen and Terrell (1983) Second Language Acquisition StagesThe stages of language acquisition are the predictable stages that language learners experience. It is important to keep in mind that parents and teachers play an important role in the language development process. Recognizing and understanding these stages helps facilitate a child’s language experience. One important factor during the process of second language acquisition is a student’s awareness of the language development process. This is because a person’s awareness facilitates and contributes to language growth. Consider sharing these second language acquisition stages with language learners to support their learning experience. References
What are the 5 stages of second language acquisition?Students learning a second language move through five predictable stages: Preproduction, Early Production, Speech Emergence, Intermediate Fluency, and Advanced Fluency (Krashen & Terrell, 1983).
What are the characteristics of second language acquisition?Ability to identify and memorize new sounds • Ability to understand the function of particular words in sentences • Ability to figure out grammatical rules • Memory for new words • Successful language learners may not be strong in all of the components of aptitude.
What is the most important for second language acquisition?Learners become more advanced the longer they are immersed in the language they are learning and the more time they spend voluntarily reading. The input hypothesis developed by linguist Stephen Krashen theorizes that comprehensible input alone is necessary for second language acquisition.
What are three major components in second language acquisition?The four major components – sociocultural, linguistic, academic, and cognitive processes – are interdependent and complex.
|
Which of the following statements about second-language acquisition is correct?
zusammenhängende Posts
Urheberrechte © © 2024 ketiadaan Inc.
