Chapter 2 - Research

Question 1

lateralization

Answer 1

A period of time around puberty where the brain assigns certain functions to the different hemispheres of the brain

Question 2

critical period

Answer 2

The period prior to lateralization

Question 3

sensitive period

Answer 3

rather than positing one critical period for language acquisition, other researchers propose that there are a number of periods during which different aspects of language acquisition occur

Question 4

ego permeability

Answer 4

the extent that the ego can be flexible and adapt, which is key along with personality factors for SLA

Question 5

acculturation model

Answer 5

a model of SLA by Schumann that states that certain social and affective variables cluster into a single variable of acculturation and the learner will only acquire the target language to the degree they acculturate

Question 6

integrative motivation

Answer 6

a desire to be socially integrated in the target language

Question 7

assimilative motivation

Answer 7

a desire on the part of the learner to become an indistinguishable member of the target speech community

Question 8

instrumental motivation

Answer 8

an individual learns a second language to attain certain goal and does not contribute to successful acculturation

Question 9

contrastive analysis hypothesis

Answer 9

a theory that SLA is filtered through the learner’s L1, which means that the learner’s L1 facilitating acquisition in those cases where the L1 and L2 are similar and interfering when the L1 and L2 are different or non-existent

Question 10

interference/negative transfer

Answer 10

where the L1 and L2 are dissimilar or non-existent is valid in L2 pronunciation acquisition – it’s the most significant factor in foreign accents.