First,secondand foreign languages

Central chracteristics of foreign language learning

Amount and type of Exposure

English as a global language

The onus is on the teacher

Learning the first languageFormal literacy skillsRelatives clausesLinking termsDiscourse skillsFirst language proficiencyTeachers of foreign languages

Learning a second languageAge and second language learning

Native-like proficiencyCommunicative abilityThe Critical Period Hypothesis

Critical PeriodThe critical period hypothesis states

that the first few years of life is the crucial time in which an individual can acquire a first language if presented with adequate stimuli. If language input doesn't occur until after this time, the individual will never achieve a full command of language—especially grammatical systems.

There are many studies that disprove The Critical Period Hypothesis

Learners’ objectives should be considered

The influence of the first language on the secondThe Competition ModelLanguages have different ways of carrying meaning

The particular ways in which a language encodes meaning (Cues)

Example: The cows eat the grass.

Who or what does the eating?

How do you know?

Some of the cues we use in order toidentify meanings are:Syntax Word order

Morphology (case of nouns, agreement between subject and verb)

Semantics

Age and first languageThe Cue effect/ effect of ageYounger children/ older children

Directing children’s attention

“The whole and the parts”

Word order in EnglishAll levels of language can provide cues

Children rely on cues from their L1

Transfers from L1 to L2

Influence of teaching on second language

The range of language experiences

Teachers’ methodologiesForeign language learners who depend on their teachers and texts

Modelling of language use by teachers

Advantages to starting young with

foreign languages

Learning an L2 through immersion

Learning a second language as a school subject

Receptive skills Listening comprehensionPronunciationSlower process in grammar

References:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_period_h

ypothesis#Second_language_acquisition (05-30-12)