Introduction to L2 Learning and Teaching.

                                                                                                credit to VLT Corner.

Introduction to L2 Learning and Teaching

L2 – The second language is a language learned by a person after his/her first or native language.  Normally, people learn a second language for job opportunities, education, and other purposes. A second language is typically an official or societally dominant language needed for education, employment, and other basic purposes.

L2 learning and teaching – L2 learning refers to a conscious process of internalizing the language in which the learner pays attention to learn grammar in a formal learning environment and in the process of conscious learning errors are corrected by the teacher. There are many methods, techniques, theories, and Factors in learning L2, let’s understand   L2 learning Theories, 2 Methods, and 2 Factors.

L2 learning theories –

There are many theories in second language learning. Popular l2 learning theories are – Behaviorism, Nativism, and Krashen Monitor Model. Let’s do reviews on 2 learning theories Behaviorism and Nativism.

Behaviorism- behaviorist Theory dominated both psychology and linguistics in the 1950s.This theory suggests that external stimuli {extrinsic} can elicit an eternal response which in turn can elicit internal stimuli (intrinsic) that lead to external processes. Behaviorism believes that children are born with Blank Minds [tabula rasa]. Behaviorist language learning is a result of imitation, constant practice, and feedback. Creature of the learner.

The environment provides the stimuli and the learner provides the response. Production of certain aspects of language and the environment provided reward. Environment plays a major role in the exercise of the learners’ abilities since it provides stimuli that can shape responses selectively rewarding some responses and not others. The strengths and weaknesses of Behaviorism theory are -

Strengths

•           Objectives measurement, which can be replicated and peer-reviewed.

•           Real-life applications {behavior therapies}

•           Clear predictions that can be scientifically tested.

anonymous 

Weakness

•           Ignores mediational processes

•           Reductionist – ignores biology

•           Humanism – can’t compare animals with humans.

•           Freud – the child doesn’t bear like a blank slate

 

credit - anonymous

Nativism (Universal Grammar)- Nativism strongly believed that humans are born with a genetic capacity that predisposes them to the systematic perception of language. So, it is called the innate theory too. Noam Chomsky, an American linguist explains that children are biologically programmed for language acquisition, he also explains that as children learn to stand up, walk and run, the language also develops automatically. Chomsky’s theory, that children are hard-wired with the ability to learn the language, focused on the fact that children often receive ‘improvised” input from the adults around them. Peoples often use incorrect grammar, and babies hear a small sample of a language. Therefore, to acquire language, children must possess a linguistic framework in their brains that is activated by the input they key receive. LAD (language acquisition device) is then able to map linguistic input and make connections within their universal grammar, according to Chomsky.

 

Second Language Teaching Methods

Grammar translation Methods- Main focus on the target language through translation from the native language to the foreign language. GTM emphasizes memorizing, and grammar rules, and the class is controlled by the Teacher or Teacher center.

Objectives –

·         Reading and writing are major focuses with no emphasis on speaking and listening.

·         Emphasis on the lessons is given for translating sentences. Etc.

Teaching techniques-

·         Questions based on the passage

·         Antonyms and synonyms

·         Grammar exercise etc.

Direct methods – the main purpose of Language learning is communication; Direct methods emphasize Oral communication and are taught with realia.

Factors Affecting Second Language Learning are-

Internal and external 

credit -  Anonymous

Internals are-

·         Intelligence

·         Aptitude

·         Motivation

·         Attitude

·         Learner Preference

·         Beliefs

·         Age

Let’s review 2 internal factors in brief -

Intelligence – Learning rules and understanding language principles can depend on the learners' intelligence level.

Age- l2 language learning is highly influenced by learners’ age, teenager who is already having solid literacy skill in their respective language seems to grab new language more efficiently. Older age learners can be very successful. But they need to struggle hard for achieving fluent pronunciation and intonation equivalent to native – speakers.

 

External are –

·         Environment

·         Instruction etc.

Environment – learning environment is highly responsible for the learners if a learner studies with a native speaker [English medium school] he/she has a high chance to perform well compared to one who learns from [non-English medium school].

In my opinion, when we discuss theories, both theories have some positive and negative points, Behaviorism believes in stimuli and reinforcements but fails to mention the cognitive process involved in language acquisition or learning. The main domain of innatism is LAD which posits that humans are mentally equipped to learn the language but it also omits the role of environment in language acquisition or learning. Methods as well, to achieve goals, learners, and teachers both have to use all theories and methods right times and places correctly, for an instant – Memorization {GTM} is a necessity but students center or usage of realia {Direct Methods] show better outcomes. Factors like intelligence, age, and learning Environment all play very crucial roles in the language development of learners.