In this lecture we will learn about Language

In this lecture, we will learn about: • Language, Learning & Teaching (Part II)

Features of language In this lecture, we will continue examining the different aspects of second language acquisition, but before going deep into these aspects, I want you to recall the definitions of language that we mentioned in the first lecture at which end we came to the conclusion that these definitions imply that language includes the following eight features: • Language is systematic – possibly a generative system. • Language is a set of arbitrary symbols. • Those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual. • The symbols have conventionalized meanings to which they refer. • Language is used for communication. • Language operates in a speech community or culture. • Language is essentially human, although possibly not limited to humans. • Language is acquired by all people in much the same way – language and languages learning both have universal characteristics.

Thus, the conclusion we can reach is that our understanding of the components of language determines to a large extent how we teach a language. This brings us to ask two questions regarding learning and teaching: What is learning? And what is teaching?

What is Learning ? • Traditional definition: Acquiring or getting of knowledge by study, experience or instruction. • More specialized definition: A relatively permanent change in a behavioral tendency as the result of reinforced practice.

What is Teaching? • Traditional definition: Showing or helping someone to learn how to do something, giving instructions, guiding in the study of something, providing with knowledge, causing to know or understand. We have also to realize the following facts: 1 - Teaching cannot be defined apart from learning. 2 - Teaching is guiding and facilitating learning; enabling the learner to learn; setting the conditions of learning. Now it is high time to talk about the schools of thought in second language acquisition.

Schools of Thought in Second Language Acquisition : 1. Structuralism and Behaviorism. 2. Rationalism and Cognitive Psychology. 3. Constructivism.