Prior to
reading a chapter on the different theories of learning second language
acquisition, I already have a pre-conceived idea on how people learn new
languages. Surprisingly, some of my ideas coincide with some of the theories
discussed in the book but I was not aware of the specific terms use to describe
them or specific theories. Nonetheless, there were many other ideas which I
came to know for the first time. One of which is that of Chomky’s theory
dealing of Language Universals and Marked Features. It is helpful to know that
students must reset the parameters of their first language to achieve the
features of the new language.
What
language learning experiences especially contributed to your personal second
language development?
The experience that contributed to
my personal second language development would be a combination of formal
language learning by attending a language course and engaging in a conversation
using the second language on a daily basis.
What
specific social, economic, and/or political factors influenced your own
language learning?
The primary factor that influenced
my own language learning is more of social. The English language is the
universal language spoken by the people that I usually associate with. Also,
English language is usually involved in almost all transaction that I get into.
Do
you experience interference from your first language when you speak in a second
language? Is the interference in the area of phonology (Sound) or syntax
(grammar)?
It is hard to do away with the first
language interference. Based on my
experience and observation, interference from the first language is unavoidable
either as to the area of phonology as well as grammar if the person is constantly
using the first language and second language interchangeably. But the more
blatant interference is on phonology because it involves oral participation.
Most second language learners that I have known have excellent skills in
grammar but cannot pronounce the world correctly or have different accent which
makes it harder for the listener to understand.
Which
SLA theory(ies) most closely coincides with your own beliefs about language
learning?
I share the same thinking with that of attention theory combine with
that of experience theory. It is my belief that everybody grew up with their
scheme to which they associate their learning. However, in the process of
growing up, new knowledge or input comes in. The schema is enriched because of
new knowledge which is not necessarily obtained through formal learning but
mostly through experience. That is also why I share with the long-standing principle
which says that experience is still the best teacher. But of course, experience
may be the best teacher but to ensure effective learning, the learner should be
properly guided.
Does
eclectic language teaching mean that language teachers should teach in any way
they want?
Eclectic
language teaching does not necessarily mean that teachers are in absolute
freedom to choose whatever method they feel like applying in their method of
teaching. While it may be true that eclecticism involves the use of a number of
language learning activities, it does not mean random choice or mixing up of
different approaches randomly. The use of eclecticism should be viewed as the
solution on how to complement the weaknesses of single theory.
What
questions do you still have about how people learn languages?
Why is it
that some ESL students learn much quickly than others? Does it have something
to do with the type of approach of teaching used by the teachers or more of the
ability of the students to learn?
