English Language Learning Through Immersion

Many popular theories of second language acquisition have been analyzed throughout history. The socialization of L2 learners, their present emotional state that is present at time of acquisition, as well as the comprehensible input and output with the use of scaffolding play a major role in second language acquisition. Let us also not forget the importance of written expression as well as reading comprehension with these L2 learners. Each play a role in language development. However, I believe that in acquiring a language, one must use a variety of techniques that work together to create a balance within the learning environment. Furthermore, all L2 learners learn differently and so a variety of resources will need to be used based on the ability of each student. There are many theories that have been developed by highly qualified experts in the field on linguistics. However, I will address those areas that I agree with as I present my personal theories on second language acquisition.

Judie Haynes’ article, “Stages of Second Language Acquisition”, clearly states five stages that a new learner of English may go through. In Haynes’ theory, there are five stages in total, and they are pre-production, early production, speech emergence, intermediate fluency, and advanced fluency. According to Haynes, new learners of English acquire language by going through the same stages. However, how much time each student spends at a particular stage may be different. Despite the different time length, the stages of people acquiring new language are worth discussing.

In this paper, I will discuss definitions of literacy, review research related to the transfer of literacy skills, and suggest practical applications of research findings of ways Linguistics (L1) support literacy in L2 for individuals learning English as a Second Language (ESL). Further, I will explore instructional practices implemented as L1 is transferred to L2 knowledge-base. As learning practices for L1 and L2 are outlined, cognates of L2 will be demonstrated in this paper for further understanding. In addition, L1 proficiency learners stem from individuals’ first language also known as their “mother language.” L1 can be described in four acquisition stages from the following: (1) babbling (2) one-word (3) two-word (4) string of words

Based on the information presented by Rhodes, Ochoa, Ortiz’s “Assessing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students a practical guide” I would develop a Two Way Dual language immersion K-12 program involving a Late Exit Transitional Bilingual Education element. I visualize a Dual Language Immersion as program that provides education in two languages for English speakers and non-native speakers of English. In a Two-Way ninety-ten system or program in which monolingual English-speaking students acquire the school curriculum together with non-native speakers of English; a portion of the instructional day is taught in English and another portion is in Spanish. In a One-Way – ninety-ten system or model it will follow the same model as the Two-Way with the only difference being the classroom structure. Classroom structure consists primarily of non-native speakers of English. The ultimate goal of this model aims for additive bilingualism, biliteracy, above average academic achievement in two languages, and multiculturalism for all students in grades K-12th.

Krashen and Terrell (1983) authored the book “The Natural Approach” in which they identified the following five stages through which ELLs progress when learning English as a second language: preproduction, early production, speech emergence, intermediate fluency, and advance fluency. Mora-Flores (2011) indicates that the way in which ELLs’ language development is monitored and labeled varies across the country. The most important aspect is the teachers’ understanding of what students bring to the classroom in terms of language since this allows teachers to build toward the following level in the student

There is are predictable stages of linguistic and cultural processes that students who are learning a second language go through. The teacher needs to be able to identify the stage the student is in so that they are

Himmele (2012) pointed out that many times teachers untrained in handling ELLs see them as “someone else’s problem” because they feel that someone trained in dealing with ELLs specific weaknesses would be more successful. Since they do not have such training, they feel they are “off the hook”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Teaching through content is the best way to acquire a second language while obtaining academic proficiency, and who better to teach that content in a meaningful and authentic manner than the subject area teacher.

Krashen & Terrell (1995) explore five hypotheses of second language acquisition theory in their chapter. These hypotheses include, “the acquisition-learning hypothesis, the natural order hypothesis, the monitor hypothesis, the input hypothesis, and the affective filter hypothesis” (Krashen & Terrell, 1995). The concepts outlined in this chapter provide a foundation of the process that English language learners (ELLs) are developing through. However, like all theory, it is up to myself as the classroom teacher, to translate this theoretical into a working

Learning language could consider very difficult for everyone. Be it speaking it in a casual conversation or writing an essay using that language. Implemented the use of grammar the correct way to speak or write are two different things.

The Error Analysis in Second Language Acquisition was recognized and named as “The significance of learner errors” by Corder and his colleagues. Further Corder delineated that it has two objectives: one is theoretical and the other is applied. The theoretical objective serves to explain what and how a learner learns when he studies a second language. The applied objective serves to enable the learner to learn more efficiently by exploiting our knowledge of his dialect for pedagogical purposes (Corder, 1974:122).

Growing up in a Mexican household, I had the fortune of speaking two languages. The first language I first mastered was Spanish and then came English as I entered primary school. My hometown is predominantly Hispanic, and in the area I live in is mostly Mexican. When one drives around the cracked streets of East Salinas, one can feel the strong presence of the Mexican culture. On one side, one can hear the man in a cowboy hat blasting Banda music, and on the other, the bells from an ice cream cart pushed around by a man making children jump with joy. I call this place “Little Mexico” because it reminds tremendously of my mother’s hometown. The majority of people living in California

Acquiring and learning a second language do not refer only to handling oral communication skills. It is more than that; it takes the students´ abilities in enhancing their lexicon, their management in syntax, and their perspective about words´ influences in people. Thus, summing this up, it is indispensable that ESL students have a grand deal about linguistic knowledge. In other words, ESL learners not only require speaking, but also reading, writing and thinking in English when they complete whatever English career.

Vocabulary plays a significant role in English as second language learning process. For the majority of English as Second Language(ESL) learners, the ultimate goal of learning the language is to understand (read and listen) and communicate (write and speak) with little difficulty and the lack of sufficient vocabulary may be the constraint of such goal (Folse, 2004). As the bedrock of English and as well as language, vocabulary also facilitates the development of other language skills: lexical richness leads to the progress in the use of language, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing skills (Nation, 1994). Reversely, The improvement in such skills may enhance learners vocabulary size as the exposure to more learning materials improves the capacity to acquire new vocabulary. (The importance of learning vocabulary/ why vocabulary?)

Grammar has always been an important issue in second and foreign language learning and teaching. Some hold the view that grammar is not essential for second/foreign language learning and therefore have a ‘zero position’ regarding grammar teaching. On the other hand, some view that grammar is necessary for second/foreign language learning.

I started learning English as a second language when I was in first intermediate. I still remember my first classes and my first teachers. I remember that my teachers changed frequently in the first year but all of them have much in common. All of them used grammar translation method. They used to write bilingual lists of words on board, then we, as students, were asked to copy these lists and memorize them by heart. All teaching concentrated on reading and writing skills, but there were no activities concentrating on speaking or listening. In addition, grammar rules were taught in that stage of learning the language as mathematics equations, and we were asked to memorize the rules as we