SLA individual differences and the Age Factor.pptx

SLA

1. Individual Differences Age factor Is there a best age for learning a second language ?

2. The critical period hypothesis (CPH) : associated by Eric Lenneberg It refers to a biologically determined period of life when first language can be acquired more easily and beyond which it is increasingly difficult to acquire. Initialy the notion of a critical period was connected only to L1 acquisition. in recent years a plethora of research has appeared on the possible application of CPH to L2 contexts. The classic argument is that a critical point for second language acquisition occurs around puberty (twelve or thirteen ). It has been recently shown in various researches that a critical period can be only applicable to L1 and the acquistion of a native-like L2 accent.

3. Four categories of factors governing CPH and the relationship between age and acquisition : Neurological Considerations Cognitive Considerations Linguistic Considerations Affective Considerations

4. Neurological Considerations Neurolinguistic is the study of brain’s functions in language learning and language use. Hemispheric lateralizations : Lateralization is the localization of cognitive functions in different parts of the brain as a result of aging. As a result of lateralization and the decrease in the flexibility of the brain, some functions such as logic, language, and analysis are assigned to the left hemisphere of the brain to deal with,while other functions such as holistic learning , photographic learning and emotions are assigned to the right hemisphere. The process of lateralization is ignited at birth and it is completed around puberty ( may be that is when critical period is finished ). Unlike in adults, the right brain of children , since lateralization is not completed for them yet, is still active for the acquisistion of language.therefore they can acquire language more readily.

5. Biological timetables : Researchers found some evidence for the existence of biological timetable for the acquisition of language. According to Walsh and Diller : Lower-order process: acquisition of accent and pronunciation , difficult to acquire after puberty . Higher-order process: acquisistion of morphology and syntax, easier to learn after puberty . Cognitive Considerations Piaget saw cognitive development as essentialy a process of maturation. Here children in young age have more flexible mind.

6. Linguistic Considerations Bilingualism: - coordinate : seprateness of the learning contexts of the two languages where individuals will retain two meaning system in their mind. - compound : Unity of the learning contexts of the two languages where individuals have one meaning system. children L2 learners mostly will have 1 language system.

7. Affective Considerations Ego centricity : children, due to their high rate of egocentricity, Do not shape a sense of self-identity, so they place less inhibition upon their selves. language ego : it’s the relation between people’s feeling of personal identity and aspects of their L1. Any individual who knows a language has a self-ego. language ego is less fragile in children. peer pressure : it refers to encouragement which is more powerful in child L2 learners.

8. Is there a best age for learning a second language? Of course The age factor is crucial to second language learning .The general view is that childhood is obviously the best time to start to learn a second language. this is not a surprising reaction . First language development is something that happens in childhood and so the general assumption is that children are better equipted to acquire language than adolescents and adults. Common experience tells us thet starting to learn anything early in life. It is also worth saying that attempting to learn a second language in adulthood ,even mature adult ,even old age ,is certainly not bound to be a dismal failure. Age is no excuse !!

9. References : Principels of Language Learning and Teaching / H. Douglas Brown Key Topics in Second Language Learning / Vivian Cook and David Singleton Key Terms in Second Language Acquisition / Bill Van Patten and Alessandro G Benati Wikipedia