Learning a Second Language
We are learning a second language!!!
Age and Second Language
Lenneberg stated that a second language is best learned between age 2 and puberty.
Critical Period Hypothesis:
Laterialization is when each side of the brain develops its own specialized functions
-Younger second language learners use same parts of their brain to learn
-Older Second language learners use different parts of their brain.
Younger second language learners:
Learners (before 5) are actually native speakers of both languages, they learn both language one and language two the same way.
Advantages to being young:
-More likely to develop a native like accent
-less to learn to be proficient
-more likely to receive easier input
Advantages to being older:
-can consciously use strategies to aid learning
-has knowledge from language one to draw from
-has greater input
Proficiency:
BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication) says about 4-10 years to have the ability to read, write, speak, and listen at an academic level.
Factors that affect L2 acquisition
-motivation
-access to language
-personality
-quality of instruction
-cognitive ability
-L1 development