LIN8001 Learning activity 1.3

Learning activity 1.3: Before we begin to look at similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition write down ways in which you think SLA might be different from FLA. Post your response on the Discussion Board.

The following are my assumptions based on life-to-date experience and not from an informed or academic perspective. I'm sure this course will highlight erroneous thinking!

1. We all (typically) acquire a first language commencing at birth/infancy - second language acquisition (typically) occurs in later life, that is, beyond childhood.
2. Children are motivated for successful FLA, however successful SLA is (typically) optional, or at least less imperative than FLA.
3. Knowledge/experience of the FL may impede learning a SL
4. Unless L2 mastery is achieved that approximates L1 mastery, the speaker is likely to think in L1 - given that languages have different grammars, this may pollute L2 performance. It is hard to selectively 'work-around' an existing grammar that has become instinctive.
5. During SLA, the learner will have 'muscle memory' issues with physically producing sounds that are outside the ambit of the L2
6. Native speakers of an L1 that is atonal will have difficulty hearing and reproducing a tonal L2.