Language Aquisition Facts vs. Myths: True or False?

True or False: Children learn a second language more quickly and easily than adolescents or adults.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False

Research has shown that adolescents and adults perform better than young children under controlled conditions.

It is not easier or quicker for a child to learn a language than it is for an adult. (Newport, E. (1990). Maturational constraints on language learning. Cognitive Science, 14, 11-28)

Children…

• May outperform adults in the area of pronunciation.

• Can be more motivated than adults.

• Do not have to learn as much to achieve communicative competence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

True or False: The more time English Language Learners spend "soaking up" English in the classroom, the more quickly they will learn the language.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False

Language is not “soaked up.” The learner must understand the communication that is conveyed by teachers. This is called COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT..

Acquiring a New Language Requires…

• Hearing and understanding messages from teachers and English-speaking classmates.

• Receiving a message that is slightly above current English language level

True or False: The emotional state of the learner can interfere with the acquisition of English with the acquisition of English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True

• Anxiety can block the learner’s ability to process information. The is called the AFFECTIVE FILTER.

• Speaking a new language requires that the student take a risk.

• Students who are upset, scared or anxious will raise their affective filter.

True or False: Teachers should be concerned about newly arrived ELLs who do not speak any English after six months.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False

New learners of English may…

• Go through a "silent period."

• Be unable or unwilling to communicate orally in English.

• Remain in this stage for a few days or more than a year.

True or False: When ELLs can speak English fluently on the playground, they should be able to master their academic work.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False

This type of language is referred to as "Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills" (BICS)…

• Comprise the social language students learn to function in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and on the school bus.

• Takes from one to three years to acquire.

True or False: Literacy in native language (also known as L1) contributes to more rapid acquisition of English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True

The most significant variable in how quickly ELLs reach grade-level norms is their level of literacy in their native language.

(Thomas & Collier, 1997)