"Second-language acquisition (SLA), sometimes called second-language learning — otherwise referred to as L2 (language 2) acquisition, is the process by which people learn a second language."
The study of how individuals learn a second language, including factors that facilitate or hinder language learning.
Language learning theories: The different theoretical frameworks that describe how people acquire a second language.
Language learning contexts: The different environments in which language learning occurs, including formal classroom settings, informal everyday interactions, and immersion programs.
Second language acquisition research methods: The various techniques used to gather data on language learning, such as observation, interviews, and surveys.
Language learning strategies: The different techniques and approaches that learners use to acquire a second language.
Second language proficiency levels: The different levels of proficiency that can be attained in a second language, as described by language proficiency frameworks.
Language transfer: The influence of a learner's first language on their acquisition of a second language.
Input and output in language learning: The importance of both input (exposure to the second language) and output (producing language) in second language acquisition.
Individual differences in language learning: Variations in language learning abilities and aptitudes among different learners.
Task-based language learning: A communicative approach to language instruction that focuses on tasks rather than more abstract language structures.
Sociocultural factors in language learning: The impact of cultural norms, beliefs, and values on language acquisition.
Contemporary pedagogical approaches in language instruction: Current trends and practices in teaching second languages.
Technology and language learning: The use of digital tools and online resources in language instruction.
Assessment and evaluation of second language proficiency: How proficiency in a second language can be measured and evaluated.
Language policy and planning: The role of language policies and planning in shaping language education and language use in society.
Immersion: Immersion programs involve learning a second language by immersing oneself in an environment in which the language is spoken. The goal of immersion programs is to develop fluency in the second language.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): CLT focuses on the development of communicative competence by creating contexts for meaningful use of language.
Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT): TBLT is an approach to language learning that focuses on the use of language to accomplish tasks. Learners work on real-world tasks that require them to use the language.
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): CLIL is an approach that integrates the learning of a second language with the learning of content in other disciplines, such as science or social studies.
Grammar-Translation: Grammar-translation is a traditional approach to language learning that focuses on memorization of grammar rules and translation exercises.
Audio-Lingual: Audio-lingual is a method that involves repetitive drills of basic grammar patterns and vocabulary, with a focus on developing oral proficiency.
Natural Approach: The natural approach is a method developed by Krashen and Terrell that stresses the importance of immersion in natural contexts where students are exposed to language that is meaningful to them.
Total Physical Response (TPR): TPR is a method developed by James Asher that involves using physical movement to reinforce language comprehension and production.
Suggestopedia: Suggestopedia is a method developed by Georgi Lozanov that involves the use of relaxing music, positive suggestion, and visualization to reduce anxiety and improve learning.
The Silent Way: The Silent Way is a method developed by Caleb Gattegno that emphasizes the importance of the learner's discovery and intuition, using minimal teacher intervention.
Community Language Learning (CLL): CLL is an approach developed by Charles Curran that involves creating a supportive community of learners who work together to develop their language proficiency.
The Lexical Approach: The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of teaching language as a system of chunks or phrases, rather than as individual words or rules.
Cognitive Based Instruction: Cognitive Based Instruction is an approach to language learning that emphasizes the use of cognitive strategies, such as scaffolded input and strategic instruction, to enhance language learning.
"The idea that the language that learners use is not simply the result of differences between the languages that they already know and the language that they are learning, but a complete language system in its own right, with its own systematic rules."
"Languages that learners already know can have a significant influence on the process of learning a new one. This influence is known as language transfer."
"The primary factor driving SLA appears to be the language input that learners receive."
"The input hypothesis developed by linguist Stephen Krashen theorizes that comprehensible input alone is necessary for second language acquisition."
"According to this hypothesis, the acquisition process in L2 (Language 2) is the same as L1 (Language 1) acquisition. Learning, on the other hand, refers to conscious learning and analysis of the language being learned."
"Opportunities for output and interaction may also be necessary for learners to reach more advanced levels."
"Research on how exactly learners acquire a new language spans several different areas."
"Cognitive approaches to SLA research deal with the processes in the brain that underpin language acquisition."
"Sociocultural approaches reject the notion that SLA is a purely psychological phenomenon and attempt to explain it in a social context."
"Some key social factors that influence SLA are the level of immersion, connection to the L2 community, and gender."
"Linguistic approaches consider language separately from other kinds of knowledge and attempt to use findings from the wider study of linguistics to explain SLA."
"There is also a considerable body of research about how SLA can be affected by individual factors such as age and learning strategies."
"A commonly discussed topic regarding age in SLA is the critical period hypothesis, which suggests that individuals lose the ability to fully learn a language after a particular age in childhood."
"Learning strategies are commonly categorized as learning or communicative strategies and are developed to improve their respective acquisition skills."
"Affective factors are emotional factors that influence an individual's ability to learn a new language."
"Individuals may also lose a language through a process called second-language attrition."
"The severity of attrition depends on a variety of factors including level of proficiency, age, social factors, and motivation at the time of acquisition."
"Classroom research deals with the effect that language instruction has on acquisition."
"The field of second-language acquisition is regarded by some but not everybody as a sub-discipline of applied linguistics but also receives research attention from a variety of other disciplines, such as psychology and education."