How languages are learned - L1

Question 1

What are the types of languages defined in TEFL?

Answer 1

L1: First language (mother tongue).
L2: Second language (for work, education).
Foreign Language: For non-immediate use (e.g., travel).
Target Language: Language being learned.

Question 2

How is L1 acquired according to behaviorism?

Answer 2

• Through imitation, feedback, and habit formation.
• Based on conditioning (Stimulus-Response-Reinforcement).

Key figures: John Watson, B.F. Skinner.

Question 3

What does “Nativism” propose about L1 acquisition?

Answer 3

• Language learning is biologically programmed.
• Language Acquisition Device (LAD) enables natural acquisition.

Key figures: Noam Chomsky, Eric Lenneberg (Critical Period Hypothesis).

Question 4

What role does interaction play in L1 acquisition?

Answer 4

Interactionism/Cognitivism emphasizes a mix of biological ability and social environment (e.g., parents, peers).

Key figures: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky.

Question 4

What is “Universal Grammar” (UG)?

Answer 4

A theory by Chomsky suggesting that all humans are born with innate grammatical structures.

Question 5

What is the “Critical Period Hypothesis”?

Answer 5

Proposed by Eric Lenneberg, stating that language learning is most effective in early childhood.

Question 6

What is the role of information processing in L1 learning?

Answer 6

Focus on how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves language input (short-term and long-term memory).