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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.
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.
3- Constructivism:
Time Frame:
1980s, 1990s & early 2000.
Scholars:
Jean Piaget and Lev Vegotsky.
Linguists Task:
The linguist, the Constructivist, emphasizes that the social Interaction is
foundational in cognitive development and reject the idea of
predetermined stages.
Now, it is high time to talk about the teaching methods used in language
teaching. Of course there are so many methods that differ from one
another in the focus on grammar or oral performance or written
performanceetc. But the most famous and common teaching method
is the Grammar Translation Method that was originally used in teaching
classical languages: Latin and Greek.