Unit 12 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN L1 AND L2 LEARNING

Unit 12 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN L1 AND L2 LEARNING

In unit 12, I learnt about the differences related to age and context between learning L1 and L2. One difference related to age is that L1 starts since we are babies whereas L2 starts usually in school and high school. Motivation is a factor that takes place when people learn their native language as a tool for communication while when they learn a foreign language people already have some expectations based on past experiences. Some differences between L1 and L2 related to the context are that people learn their L1 by exposure; however they learn their L2 sometimes by exposure, but often by being taught. Another difference is that people go over a silent period when they learn their L1, but when they learn their L2 they are often exposed to controlled activities. So, How can an English teacher apply this in the classroom? The answer is not difficult since you just need to find the right method, strategy or task to teach the target language. For instance, I would use motivation in very single lesson so as to encourage my pupils to learn the language. Warm-ups or games are the best activities to motivate students. Another example is by setting up situations where students can use the language as naturally as possible (as they learn their mother tongue). Using realia can be a wonderful idea to help students to learn new vocabulary words that may be used in interactive activities such as pair or group conversations. Furthermore, correcting mistakes all the time is what the teacher should avoid since that would really help learners to build up a great sense of confidence and that will help them to participate in classes and experiment the language frequently. In conclusion, I may say that teachers are the only people who can build up a suitable atmosphere where pupils can learn the target language as they learn their mother tongue.

These pictures show the activities or materials you can use to teach the language.

Playing Taboo , Tic tac toe or Hangman can be used to motivate learners and develop confidence

Using realia to teach vocabulary

References for additional information 

 ü  Homepage.ntlworld.com, (2014). Comparing First and Second Language Acquisition by Vivian Cook. [online] Available at: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/SLA/L1%20and%20L2.htm [Accessed 28 Nov. 2014].

 ü  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2edSPUtPkY0. (2014). [DVD].

 ü  Schwartz, B. and , Unsworth, S. (2011). Paths of Development in L1 and L2 Acquisition. John Benjamins publishing company, pp.1-9.