SPA II Honors

In the prior article on linguistics, we looked at the prevalent theories in L1 acquisition. This was designed to inform our discussion of 2nd language (L2) acquisition. For our course, this realm of linguistics is quite applicable and we will spend more time exploring this, allowing our exploration to go a little deeper and a little broader over the course of a few weeks. We are going to begin with a look at one of the most influential linguists on L2 acquisition: Stephen Krashen. Since the 1980's, Krashen has dedicated much time and effort to the cause of trying to decipher what it is that allows us to learn a 2nd language (or, on the flip side, prevents us from it). His research and theories have informed much in the world of 2nd language education and was pivotal in transforming the world language classroom from a "memorize & drill" type of learning into a classroom where students are striving to engage with the teacher in a more meaningful manner, receiving what ...

BACKGROUND Linguistics is the study of how language works. This covers a large sphere of information that bridges the gap between language literacy (reading, writing, speaking) and the scientific field of psychology and cognition. When studying second language (L2) acquisition, it is important to reckon with the underlying principles and theories that govern how our brain process and acquire this new language. However, before dealing with that concept, it is imperative to spend some time at the ¨beginning¨ - our first language (L1), the mother tongue. This will help build a platform upon which our understanding of L2 acquisition. How is it that we acquire our first language? In many ways, it feels like magic. Within the span of a few short years, a child goes from being unable to communicate, through babbling phases, basic speech, forming sentences, and, by the time they´re school-age, they are able to communicate in lengthy, intelligent conversation. How does this happen? There a...