The environment that language acquisition occurs in, whether it is a first or a second language being acquired, is also hugely influential on the development of that language. It is only in context that a language with inherent ambiguities can be understood at a level of fluency, and if the environment surrounding the language learner does not help to reinforce the rules and/or vocabulary of that language, then language acquisition becomes more difficult (Freeman & Freeman 2004; Wilson 2000). In addition, things as basic and yet fundamental to all types of learning such as anxiety levels and self-confidence can also have huge effects on language learning, especially during second language acquisition (Wilson 2000).

My views generally align with the dominant view in this course, namely that second language acquisition is best facilitated by instilling the linguistic concepts known to assist in first language acquisition into second language learners (Freeman & Freeman 2004). Immersion seems to be the best method for language acquisition via these mechanisms, but there are also several suggested methods and modes of instruction that seem likely to work in developing the same innate grammatical understanding of a second language on a conscious basis just as they work on an entirely subconscious basis during first language acquisition (Freeman & Freeman 2004; Wilson 2000). I tend to disagree with the assertion made by some that first language acquisition follows a nearly...

This view is based on my personal experience with my siblings and other young children I have observed (not in empirical research settings, it must be admitted); I have perceived several different apparent methods of learning language, where some children develop certain skills and understandings at one time, and others in a different order. In general, however, this does not necessarily exclude many of the larger conclusions and assertions made by the authors and researchers covered in this course.
There is still a lot of learning left -- both for me and in the field as a whole -- before a complete understanding of language acquisition can be achieved. The fact that first language acquisition is so innate is an encouraging fact, however, and promises to lead to still better methods of teaching second languages. As our understanding of one type increases, our skill in teaching the other will only improve.

References

Freeman, D. & Freeman, Y. (2004). Essential Linguistics: What You Need to Know to Teach Reading, ESL, Spelling, Phonics, and Grammar. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Galasso, J. (2003). "First and second language acquisition." Techni Studios. Accessed 17 September 2009. http://www.csun.edu/~galasso/lang1.htm

Wilson, R. (2000). "A Summary of Stephen Krashen's "Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition." Language impact. http://www.languageimpact.com/articles/rw/krashenbk.htm