As we're heading toward the end of the module I find that the principles, theories, concepts, etc. are taking form from the original 'overload soup'. The distinctions between first- and second-language acquisition are becoming more obvious and so far the course content is in relatively 'pedestrian' language.
L1 learners are highly motivated to learn, have no hangups about learning, and 'know' far less than L2 learners. They are immersed in the culture of L1 and pay no attention to grammar, although it seems they extract the grammar instinctively and then perform 'abstraction' with it as a creative function. On the other hand, L2 learners will never achieve the same success as L1, have all the learning quirks of adults who have already experienced the world, and do not possess the motivation of L1 learners.
Interesting. On with the journey...
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