Term
| behaviorist theory of second lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| L2 learners imitate L2 speakers. They apply what they know from L1 to L2. |
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Term
| Natural Order theory of second lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| Lang is learned in a particular order. Errors that were made in learning L2 will be similar to those made in L1. |
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Term
| Innateness theory of lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| Humans are genetically wired to learn lang. A child at the correct stage of language learning will learn quickly and easily.Chomsky's LAD "Lang. Acq. Device" |
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Term
| sociolinguistic competence |
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Definition
| Proficiency in recognizing appropriate lang (verbal) and gestures,body lang, eye contact (nonverbal)for a specific context |
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Term
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Definition
| Figure of speech, such as "kick the bucket," in which the literal meaning is not intended but has become common usage. |
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Term
| cognitive view of second language acquisition |
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Definition
| L2 learners think about the lang and use cognitive skills to figure out L2 words and rules. Sometimes misconceptions are difficult to correct. But active lrng helps them learn from mistakes and make new rules. |
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Term
| imitation theory of lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| Children learn by imitating the speech of adults. Problem w/this theory: kids say words that adults haven't said, like "eated" or "drived." |
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Term
| Critical Period theory of second lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| There is a stage in life when it's easiest to learn languages (L1&L2). Becomes more difficult beginning at puberty. Learning L2 during the critical period results in no accent in either lang. |
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Term
| Reinforcement theory of lang. acquisition |
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Definition
| Kids learn lang based on their experience. Problem: kids whose parents don't have correct grmr can still learn and speak using correct grmr. "Babytalk" is also part of this theory. |
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Term
| formal and informal registers |
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Definition
| "register" is the word choice for a particular context. A formal register is used for a business interview; an informal register is used in casual conversation w/friends. |
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Term
| internalizing language rules |
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Definition
| When the learner doesn't have to consciously sort through the rules of the language, but can spontaneously apply them. Making the language "your own." |
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Term
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Definition
| Being able to retain info and access it later when needed. Ability to memorize is believed to improve with practice. |
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Term
| synthesizing language rules |
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Definition
| Invoking prior knowledge and adding newly acquired knowledge, thus increasing understanding of new info. Example: using knowledge of L1 verb rules to help learn and use L2 verbs. |
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Term
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Definition
| occurs when someone tries to apply a rule from L1 to L2 but it doesn't match. |
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Term
| evolution of language variation |
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Definition
| Study of these changes is the discipline of sociolinguistics. A lang can vary across social classes, cultures, geographic areas, or vocations. |
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Term
| factors influencing discourse |
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Definition
| Gender, culture, education, age, vocation, social class, and the setting or context all affect discourse. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Absorbing" a language through exposure as opposed to being directly taught."Unconscious" language learning. |
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Term
| social functions of language |
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Definition
| *inform *amuse *persuade *maintain control *ask for help *give advice, etc. |
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Term
| stages of L1 language acquisition |
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Definition
*First sounds ("ba") *one word *two words
*phrases *sentences. |
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Term
| stages of L2 language acquisition |
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Definition
| Listening but not trying to speak, speaking basic words and phrases, more and more verbal expression, intermediate fluency, advanced fluency. |
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