Theories of second-language acquisition
Imagine you are learning to speak a new language- say, Spanish- and you are doing so in a classroom that only uses Spanish. The different ways that your brain is able to learn and use the new language is what we refer to as second-language acquisition.
There are a number of theories that try to explain how someone can learn a new language. Here are some of the most common theories, explained in a way that a five-year-old could understand:
1. Behaviorist Theory: This theory says that learning a new language is like learning any other behavior. Just like you learn to walk, talk, and eat by observing and copying the actions of those around you, you can learn a new language by memorizing and repeating the words and phrases you hear.
2. Innatist Theory: This theory argues that our brains are pre-programmed with the ability to learn language. It says that babies are born with an innate ability to distinguish language and to figure out how it works. Innatists believe that our brains are hard-wired to process language in a certain way, and this is what makes it possible for us to learn new languages.
3. Cognitive Theory: This theory argues that learning a new language is a cognitive process- that is, it involves thinking and problem-solving. Cognitive theorists believe that we form mental structures to help us understand languages, and that our ability to learn a second language is influenced by how well we understand the rules and structures of our first language.
4. Social Interactionist Theory: This theory emphasizes the role of social interaction in language learning. According to this theory, we learn language by interacting with other people- by listening to them, talking with them, and getting feedback from them. Social Interactionists believe that language learning is most effective when it takes place in a social context.
5. Input Hypothesis: This theory suggests that we learn a new language by being exposed to language that is just a little bit beyond our current level of comprehension. Input Hypothesis says that if we are given language to listen or read that is just a little bit more complex than what we already understand, our brains will automatically start to make sense of it and fill in gaps in our understanding.
There are many different approaches to learning a new language, and many different factors that can influence how well you are able to do so. By understanding these different theories of second-language acquisition, you can better understand how best to learn and improve your language skills.
There are a number of theories that try to explain how someone can learn a new language. Here are some of the most common theories, explained in a way that a five-year-old could understand:
1. Behaviorist Theory: This theory says that learning a new language is like learning any other behavior. Just like you learn to walk, talk, and eat by observing and copying the actions of those around you, you can learn a new language by memorizing and repeating the words and phrases you hear.
2. Innatist Theory: This theory argues that our brains are pre-programmed with the ability to learn language. It says that babies are born with an innate ability to distinguish language and to figure out how it works. Innatists believe that our brains are hard-wired to process language in a certain way, and this is what makes it possible for us to learn new languages.
3. Cognitive Theory: This theory argues that learning a new language is a cognitive process- that is, it involves thinking and problem-solving. Cognitive theorists believe that we form mental structures to help us understand languages, and that our ability to learn a second language is influenced by how well we understand the rules and structures of our first language.
4. Social Interactionist Theory: This theory emphasizes the role of social interaction in language learning. According to this theory, we learn language by interacting with other people- by listening to them, talking with them, and getting feedback from them. Social Interactionists believe that language learning is most effective when it takes place in a social context.
5. Input Hypothesis: This theory suggests that we learn a new language by being exposed to language that is just a little bit beyond our current level of comprehension. Input Hypothesis says that if we are given language to listen or read that is just a little bit more complex than what we already understand, our brains will automatically start to make sense of it and fill in gaps in our understanding.
There are many different approaches to learning a new language, and many different factors that can influence how well you are able to do so. By understanding these different theories of second-language acquisition, you can better understand how best to learn and improve your language skills.