12월 23일 (화) Second language Aquisition

Second language Aquisition The average college student studies English for about 12 years before college. However, the result of the 12 years of education is not at a level that anyone is satisfied with. The English curriculum is not sufficient in producing fluent English speakers, but in fact, produces students who are more confused and frustrated with the language. What we need is a more efficient and effective way to learn not only English but any foreign language. Is there one best way to study and learn a language? I actually believe there is. That is, if you are a young child within the critical period of language learning. However, most of us are past that age and are trying to English as a second language as adults. Now, this is a little bit trickier. The most effective and efficient way to pick up a send language is through the nativist approach. This involves picking up a language in a target language environment. For example, learning English in Los Angeles or learning Japanese in Tokyo. When I say most efficient and effective, I mean for conversational English. This is because when you are in an environment where your ability to speak the language increases your chances of survival, you are, in a way, forced to acquire than language. The term survival not only means that knowing the language will allow you to eat and sleep comfortably, it also means that you will be able to socialize with the natives more naturally. This is import!ant for social survival. Most of us, however, do not have the luxury to take 3 or more years out of our lives to go live in another country just to pick up a language. This is where language learning comes in. To learn a language in an environment where that language is not the native tongue is no easy task. Don’t worry, there are many options available too you. The first step you must take in learning any language is to have a definite purpose. Why do you want to, or need to learn the target language? Is it for work, school, to find work, for fun? And what aspect of the language you want to focus on. For example, someone who is preparing to move to another country for work will have to focus on the conversational aspects of the language, while someone who is preparing for a proficiency test will have to study for that specific test. Still others who would like to understand the literary culture of another country will have to focus more on reading and writing as well as the cultural aspects of the language. Anyone who has studied a language and has become proficient in it will have their own secret to their success. However, none of those methods is the ultimate method. Everyone is different in the way they acquire a language and every situation is different. While on person might be good at memorizing phrases from a book, another person might need a more interactive approach to language. No matter what the method, one thing is for sure. Exposure. The more you are exposed to a language and the more you expose yourself to a language will ultimately determine how quickly and efficiently you learn a language. The only thing that matters is your will to learn. If you have the will to learn, effort will no doubt follow. And with will and effort, success is not too far behind. Raised Questions 1.Have you studied a foreign language?which language and why? 2.Has the there been any specific method that was most effective for you? 3.How would you rate your level of fluency of your second language? 4.What is your purpose for wanting to learn a second language? 5.Do you have any suggestions for learners of a foreign language?