The Importance Of Second Language Learning

Many kids in school are wanting to learn a new language away from their native language but many students are wondering what language is going to help them the most in the future. English is the clear answer for these students that are wondering what new language to learn for a number of reasons. Through different articles through the book “Language: A Reader for Writers” it discusses how language is the most successful and most useful language to speak. College students who want to learn a second language, that have not learned English, should learn English because it is the most widely used language in the world and it is the most useful language to learn.

By many researchers, it has been hypothesized that language could be acquired only within a critical period, which is from early infancy to puberty. If this is true, this should be extended to second language acquisition as well, and, if so, young children should be better at acquiring the second language than adults, and younger children should reach higher levels of proficiency in the second language. If this prediction is true, it would importantly demonstrate that children should be exposed to language with rich vocabulary and grammar within the critical period, and foreign language exposure at school should take place in early grades in order to maximize their opportunity to learn the language effectively. However, the motivation and the purpose of learning the target language may differ depending on the individuals and those factors can limit or expand the exposure to the target language. In this paper, I would like to discuss the correlation between the age that bilingual individuals are exposed to the second language as well as their motivation, purpose, and value of learning the second language. I would like to suggest that regardless of the age that individuals are exposed to the second language, if one values the importance of learning the second language and maximize their exposure to the targeted language, they can reach to the native level of proficiency in that language.

Learning any language can always be tricky depending on how you’re taught. Sofia created a video showing that learning a language at a young age is an effective way to become fluent. Sofia started the video by introducing us to her family and expressing to us that she comes from a cultural family who's primary language is Spanish. She also showed us how she and her brothers learned English in various ways that fit each of their needs. As the video came to a close she showed the effectiveness of these specific learning habits they were introduced to, which lead to there fluency in the English language.

Since, the second language is an additional language after we acquire the first language, the L2 learning process can be influenced by the L1 learning process This essay will demonstrate the similarities and differences in L1 and L2 acquisition by discussing various theories. Then, draw a conclusion based on the evidence provided and my own experience.

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 the time of acquisition, as well as the comprehensible input and output with the use of scaffolding play a major role in second language acquisition. Kirsten Hummel states, “The one most effective way to increase L2 competence was by exposure to ‘comprehensible input’.” (Hummel, 2014, p. 73) Let us also not forget the importance of written expression as well as reading comprehension with these L2 learners. Each plays a role in language development. However, I believe that to acquire language one must use a variety of techniques that work together to create a balance within the learning environment. Furthermore, all L2 learners acquire language differently and so using a variety of resources that are based on the ability of each student is neccesary. There are many theories that have been developed by highly qualified experts in the field of linguistics. However, I will address those areas that I agree with as I present my personal theories on second language acquisition.

All over the world there is around 6,500 languages. Even so in America approximately 20% of Americans speak another language other than English. This number is relatively low. Learning a new language is and can be very beneficial. By learning a new language you can meet more people, have more job opportunities, and introduce yourself to new cultures. Therefore, every person should make it a life goal to learn another language excluding their native language.

The beauty of being an educator means that you are able to help others in various ways. When it comes to being an educator in teaching a second language one has to be aware that learning another language is not easy. With learning another language comes lots of struggles and obstacles. The educator has to be prepared to help those students through their journey in helping them learn and improve the second language. Students learning the language will have various reasons for learning the second language, the way in which they learn it might be different, but as an educator one has to find the way in which to communicate and help the student learn and master the second language. This essay will try to explain why and how students learn a second language.

He then questions whether the earlier children learn a second language, the better they learn, considering the timing of learning. Similar to timing, McLaughlin then extended his argument to the relationship between learners’ amount of exposure to the second language and their learning progress. Reflecting the major concern about who are better second language learners as well as when and how they learn better, the author then points out the criteria for a successful language acquisition and the illusion that whoever can speak a language means he or she have acquired the language. He finally suggests that each second language learner has a different learning style and draws to the conclusion that highlights and embraces the cultural and linguistic diversity in the American education.

I believe that learning a secondary language is necessary to get where you want to go in life. For most people that have jobs there is always going to be a customer or another co worker that speaks a different language than you. You should learn a different language for traveling purposes so if you want to go to a different country you will know the main language in that country. Learning a different language is good to know to make friends living in other places that know a different language than you. Knowing a secondary language is a graduation requirement and can even help you improve your test scores.

A second language teacher has a significant influence on how the learners will achieve in their learning or fail. First and foremost, a second language teacher should understand the other language's culture to build a communication bridge between her and the learners. Once students feel valued and their culture is respected, they will feel motivated and try to discover the second language enthusiastically. The effective teacher cares about a learner as a human being.

Learning a new language can either be based on necessity or the willingness to learn a new language. Whether a student/adult care for the language or not, it is becoming very important in the process of obtaining a better job, or the need to learn a new culture. There are many concepts and ideas that go alongside the process of learning a new language. For that reason, this essay will try to explain through research why and how people learn English as a foreign language with the help of a former student.

If you use Spanish in your classroom, why do you think this may be more effective than using English exclusively? Findings constantly show that learners benefit from using their native language in education. Children are best served by using their first language as a resource for achieving academic success and English language proficiency. First, by using the L1 learners are more likely to engage in learning process because it allows them to make suggestions, ask questions, answering questions, and even create and communicate new knowledge with enthusiasm. Thus, it gives them confidence and helps to affirm their cultural identity. Second, using their first language is important to acquire English and it will help them to learn the English needed for academic success. Their progress in acquiring English is linked to the levels of their first language and literacy skills. Third, it is easier to understand concepts and skills in your first language and transfer your knowledge to your second language.

Language remains an integral part of human culture that our brains instill before we are born. Scientists have known for years fetuses can hear inside the womb, but they have discovered newborns possess the ability to cry in a way which mimics their native language (Cox). Scientists also recognize that as humans age learning a new skill―like a language―proves increasingly more difficult. Adults’ brains do not possess the same absorbency skills that children do (Baer). For this reason, I would advocate for high schools and colleges requiring students to take at least two years of a foreign language. Numerous studies have linked learning a second language to increased cognitive function, heightened global awareness, and understanding foreign cultural traditions.

Should schoolchildren be required to learn a second or even third language from a young age? According to studies at the Cornell Language Acquisition Lab (CLAL), children who learn a second language can maintain attention despite outside stimuli better than those who know only one language. Learning foreign languages from a young age is much easier than trying to pick one up later in life, researchers say that their elementary brains are most receptive to picking it up and enabling them to speak the language fluently with little or no hint of a foreign accent. Schools around the country are struggling to keep their foreign language programs alive. My interest in this topic has developed from my cousins, who live out in California who have been taught a foreign from a younger age, and the school I went to didn’t start teaching it until the ninth grade.

This paper will be discussing how one can go to Serbia and teach English as a second language. This paper will include important information such as basic education system, visa, demographic and more things about Serbia.