Myths about Acquiring a Second Language (Samway & McKeon)

Myth #1:

Second language learning is unlike first language learning.

Reality: Learning a first and second language is similar.

Languages are the "same in composition, but with different designs and features" (Power and Hubbard, p. 62).

The process of learning a second language involves many errors.

*"similar to those made by first language learners, for example: the use of a regular

-ed past tense ending on an irregular verb" (Lightbown and Spada, p. 42).

Myth 2:

Older language learners are less successful than younger learners.

Reality: Older learners can be just as productive, as young children that learn pronunciation with a minimal accent.

"Young second language learners may be exposed to their second language for many hours every day. Older Learners receive far less exposure" (Lightbown and Spada, p. 38).

Children are seen as better language learners than adults, due to two facts.

1. Adults have less time to learn language, along with the volume of semantics and syntax they need to learn in a "context-reduced environment".

2. The second language learning provides young children with "comprehensible input in a context-embedded environment".

Myth 3:

Fluent speakers of second language are unlikely to have problems in school.

Reality: It is not an assurance that learners of second language will use it appropriately in educational experiences.

Oral and Written language is required to indicate learning has occurred. Neurological, Cognitive, and Affective factors can influence acquisition.

• Lateralization
• self-consciousness
• Fossilization.

Myth 4:

All learners of second language experience hardships when learning English in academic schools.

Reality: Depending on factors, the success of learning English in school will differ with learners.

"Studies show that children who have had formal academic preparation in a given content area in their first language usually make greater progress initially in academic content in the second language" (Power and Hubbard, p. 65).

"students can acquire a language at the same time that they are learning some academic subject area content if the teacher uses techniques to help make the instruction understandable" (Freeman and Freeman, p.36).

Effective Choices that Promote Second Language Learning

• Form-Focused Instruction
• Corrective Feedback
• Meaning-Based Instruction
• Comprehension-Based Approaches
• Conversational Interactions
• Content-Based Program

Myth 5:

Learning will happen quicker in all areas if teachers concentrate on English Language.

Reality: Additional exposure to language doesn't promise faster understandings in academics.

Variables that can affect the rate of language acquisition are the age of students during first experiences with second language, past experiences within school, and instructional strategies.

Myth 6:

Compared to Spanish students, Asian students are more successful English Language Learners.

Reality: The achievement of second language learners is not related to cultural differences.

"Variability in the performance of linguistic minority students may be partly explained by examining the connection between education and other societal institutions and events affecting minorities" (Power and Hubbard, p. 67).

Homophones Matching Game:

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/pronunciation/matching-homophones-a-1.htm

Talking About The Past Game:

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/grammar/mixed-past-s5-12.htm

Matching Similes Game:

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/vocabulary/matching-similes-21.htm

References

Freeman, D.E. & Freeman Y.S. (2004). Essential Linguistics: What You Need to Know to Teach. Portmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Krashen, Stephen. (2013, July 13). Language Acquisition [Part 2]. Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com.

Lightbown, P.M. & Spada, N. (2013). How Languages are Learned. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Power, B.M & Hubbard, R.S. (2002). Language Development: A Reader for Teachers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.

FACT OR MYTH?

Myths about Acquiring a Second Language (Samway & McKeon)

Presenting the realities that counter common myths about second language acquisition

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