Understanding Key Terms in SLA

What is First Language Acquisition?

• The process by which adults learn a second language

• The process by which children learn their native language

• The study of language structures

• The acquisition of vocabulary only

Which of the following is true about Bilingualism?

• It only involves learning one language

• It can only occur in adulthood

• Simultaneous bilinguals acquire more than one native language

• Bilinguals cannot be dominant in one language

Which of the following best describes Second Language Acquisition?

• Learning a second language without prior knowledge of any language

• Acquiring a second language in an environment where it is spoken

• The study of first language development

• Learning vocabulary of a second language only

How does Language Acquisition differ from Language Learning?

• Language acquisition is conscious, and language learning is unconscious

• Language acquisition is faster and more natural, while language learning is slower and more formal

• Language acquisition involves studying grammar, while language learning does not

• There is no difference between the two

What type of knowledge is referred to as Explicit Knowledge?

• Unconscious knowledge that cannot be articulated

• Conscious knowledge that individuals are aware of and can articulate

• Knowledge of vocabulary only

• None of the above

Which statement best describes the difference between Performance and Competence in language use?

• Performance is the mental representation of language, and competence is the actual use

• Competence is the actual use of language in communication, and performance is the underlying mental representation

• Performance is the actual use of language, and competence is the underlying mental representation

• There is no difference between performance and competence

Implicit Knowledge can be articulated easily just like Explicit Knowledge.

• True

• False

Language Learning is typically faster than Language Acquisition.

• True

• False

Sequential bilingualism involves learning two languages at the same during early childhood.

• True

• False

Sequential bilingualism is learning additional languages after L1 has already been established.

• True

• False