INTBUS 6 Lecture 32:
16 Sep 2020
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Document Summary
Second language acquisition: the later learning of another additional language, offers insights into how two languages interact and illuminates the phenomenon of interference. The amount of time required to acquire one"s native language is quite short, esp. when compared to the time needed to learn a second language successfully later on in life: it is complete. The quality of first language acquisition is far better than that of a second language (learned later in life). One does not forget one"s native language (though one might have slight difficulties remembering words if you do not use it for a long time): it does not require instruction. Instructions by parents or care-takers are unnecessary, despite the psychological benefits of attention to the child. Eric lenneberg (linguist/neurologist) suggested that a specific window exists for learning language. Outside of it, grasping the basics of communication becomes extremely difficult. Sensitivity" to language input varies as a function of age, with adult.
