Language acquisition

Question 1

Two major theories of language acquisition

Answer 1

1. Language Acquisition Device (Noah Chomsky) (innate)
2. B.F. Skinner and operant conditioning (behavioural)

Question 2

Language Acquisition Device (Noah Chomsky) (innate)

Answer 2

A) Innate language skills, device which helps the child to: (1) distinguish speech from other sounds (2) organize linguistic events into classes, (3) understand what is possible within a linguistic system and what is not, (4) constantly evaluate the developing system.
B) With samples of natural language, child gets to access the innate knowledge of Universal grammar – i.e. the deep structures of grammar of each language, being the same, can be innate knowledge. After all, every child learns their 1st language at the same rate, despite the perceived difficulty for 2nd language learners.

Question 3

B.F. Skinner and operant conditioning (behavioural)

Answer 3

a method of learning that uses rewards and punishment to modify behavior. Through operant conditioning, behavior that is rewarded is likely to be repeated, while behavior that is punished is prone to happen less

Question 4

L1 vs L2 learners

Answer 4

• Time limit: Critical development period for L1, no limit for L2
• L2: more likely subjects to language anxiety (Krashen) – wanting to produce output, but not being able to, can make speaker give up learning it
• Both learn some elements (reading, writing), and both can acquire (Krashen’s input theory)

Question 5

Krashen’s input hypothesis and the role of input in L2 instruction.

Answer 5

Krashen has realized that input is important in the context of language learning, because elements of language acquisition can then be introduced. It is important for the input to match the level of the learner – it has to be comprehensible and understandable, not just any input. By increasing exposure to comprehensible input, the L2 learner can improve their skills.
However, Krashen also stressed the importance of the size of input – if it’s not enough, the learner won’t be stimulated(+0). If it’s too much, the learner might get overwhelmed. (+2)

Question 6

How does age affect first and second language acquisition? What does the critical period hypothesis argue about age and acquisition?

Answer 6

Critical Period Hypothesis (Eric Lenneberg) – theory based on cases of children who grew up without linguistic stimulation, thus resulting in their later incapacity to learn a language – even L1. According to Lenneberg, there is a time in which an individual can acquire a first language if presented with adequate stimuli, i.e. linguistic input. His initial theory assumed the cut-off age is 13, but it is suggested to actually be lower.

Question 7

Describe the concept of ZPD and how it works in a language classroom.

Answer 7

ZPD – Zone of Proximal Development by Lev Vygotsky.
It shows learning as a space with several stages which denote the level of effort necessary on the side of the learner. The inner circle represents what the learner can comfortably learn on their own, outside of classes. The outside ring represents something that still lays outside the learners capacity. In-between these is the zone of proximal development – the amount of material and knowledge that exceeds what the learner can learn on their own, but can achieve with proper scaffolding – aka guidance. In language classes, such guidance can be provided by giving students exercises that are somewhat challenging, but not so much so as to overwhelm them, thereby increasing how much they actually learn and how soon the outer circle can become the inner ring.