Exploring Second Language Acquisition

What is interlanguage in the context of SLA?

• Interlanguage is a method of teaching languages.

• Interlanguage refers to the first language of a learner.

• Interlanguage is a fixed set of grammatical rules.

• Interlanguage is a transitional linguistic system in second language acquisition.

How does error analysis contribute to language learning?

• Error analysis only benefits teachers, not learners.

• Error analysis is not relevant to language proficiency.

• Error analysis focuses solely on grammar rules.

• Error analysis contributes to language learning by identifying and addressing specific learner difficulties, guiding targeted instruction and improving overall language proficiency.

What is the main focus of contrastive analysis?

• To teach language acquisition techniques.

• The main focus of contrastive analysis is to compare and contrast languages to identify their similarities and differences.

• To analyze the phonetics of a single language.

• To develop new languages from scratch.

Define the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in SLA.

• The ZPD in SLA is the range of tasks a learner can do independently without any support.

• The ZPD in SLA is the range of tasks a learner can do with assistance but not alone.

• The ZPD in SLA is the level of tasks a learner can do alone without help.

• The ZPD in SLA refers to the maximum level of difficulty a learner can handle without assistance.

What are the key principles of the innatist perspective in SLA?

• The key principles of the innatist perspective in SLA include Universal Grammar, natural language acquisition, and the role of exposure to language input.

• Exposure to language input is irrelevant for language acquisition.

• Grammar rules are not innate and must be taught explicitly.

• Language is solely learned through imitation.

How does behaviorism explain language acquisition?

• Language acquisition occurs through imitation and reinforcement, as children learn to speak by mimicking adults and being rewarded for correct language use.

• Children learn language through formal education only.

• Language acquisition is solely based on genetic predisposition.

• Language is acquired through innate grammatical structures.

What role does the cognitive perspective play in SLA?

• The cognitive perspective focuses solely on social interactions in language learning.

• It emphasizes the importance of memorization over understanding in language acquisition.

• The cognitive perspective disregards the role of prior knowledge in learning a new language.

• The cognitive perspective highlights the mental processes and active construction of knowledge in language learning.

Can you provide an example of interlanguage features?

• Employing 'runned' instead of 'ran'

• An example of an interlanguage feature is the use of 'goed' instead of 'went' by English language learners.

• Using 'eated' instead of 'ate'

• Saying 'I goed to the store' in a formal setting

How does error analysis help in identifying learner needs?

• Error analysis provides a summary of overall class performance.

• Error analysis helps identify learner needs by revealing specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions through the examination of mistakes.

• Error analysis is used to grade students' assignments.

• Error analysis only focuses on grammar mistakes.

What are the limitations of behaviorism in explaining SLA?

• Behaviorism is limited in explaining SLA due to its neglect of cognitive processes, the complexity of language learning, and the inability to account for novel language production.

• Behaviorism emphasizes the role of innate grammar in language acquisition.

• Behaviorism effectively explains the use of context in language understanding.

• Behaviorism accounts for emotional factors in language learning.