Second Language Acquisition

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?