Formal Approaches to SLA Georgia Hemrick SPSE 6820 Smyrna High School ghh2b@mtsu.edu

Behaviorist View Set of automatic habits that developed as a result of imitation.

Language Acquisition Device (LAD) Noam Chomsky (1959) Believed that the learner was an active participant in creating language rather than imitating. LAD challenged the behaviorist view. Everyone is born with LAD and language is learned not by imitation alone.

Persylvian Region of the brain & The Critical Period Hypotheses Language acquisition and language processing are associated with the persylvian region of the brain. (Left hemisphere) This research led to the CPH.

Critical Period Hypothesis Lenneburg stated that language acquisition can only take place during the “critical ages” Critical ages are age 2 years and 12 years old. After age 12 the brain experiences loss of plasticity.

Critical Factors of SLA 3 Contextual Factors #1 Language L1 & L2 similarities or distance. L1 proficiency Knowledge of L2 Appropriate dialect and register Language attitudes

Contextual Factors in SLA #2 Learner -Goals for language learning. -Support groups -Home life. -Diversity in classroom.

Contextual Factors in SLA # 3 Learning Process -Language -Learning style. -Learner needs -Learner environment -Cultural Influences -Motivation -Interaction

Two Theoretical Approaches to SLA Innatism - Chomsky -Innatism implies that language is a natural biological process driven by the LAD Universal Grammar (UG) –principles of grammar are shared and innate to human beings. Interactionist -Language starts as a tool external to the child used for social interaction (Vygotsky) -Emphasizes on learner interaction. -Interactions promote learning and essential in Second Language Learning.

Ms. Hemricks Classroom Interactionist approach. -Emphasizes on learner interaction with students and teacher. How? -Games -Role play -Speaking and Listening exercises.

Tips for Teachers Don’t be scared to use role play as a teaching tool. Be aware of all cultural respresentations in the classroom. Encourage risk taking Making learning comfortable for your students. Involve the parents as much as possible.

Resources for teachers Activities for ESL Students http://a4esl.org/ Colorin’ Colorado http://www.colorincolorado.org/ Everything ESL.Net http://www.everythingesl.net/

References Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2008). Second language acquisition: an introductory course. New York: Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group Haynes, J. (n.d.). How long does it take to learn English? Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://www.everythingesl.net/ Hill, J., & Flynn, K. (n.d.). Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/106009/chapters/The_Stages_of_Second_Language_Acquisition.aspx Language Acquisition. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2010, from http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/course/85-211b/language_acq.html

MTSU Honor Statement MTSU Honor Statement: This assignment/assessment was solely written by me. In no way have I plagiarized (represented the work of another as my own) or otherwise violated the copyright laws and academic conventions of fair use. I know that violationsof this policy may result in my being dismissed from Middle Tennessee StateUniversity and/or appropriate legal action being taken against me. Signed Georgia Hemrick 5/24/2010