INTRODUCTION TO SLA
To begin your introduction to Second Language Acquisition (SLA), it’s essential to frame the topic by highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of language learning. Language acquisition is not just about learning vocabulary and grammar; it’s about understanding how different factors—cognitive, social, and environmental—interact to facilitate or hinder the learning process. Over the years, various theorists have explored these factors, each bringing a unique perspective to how languages are learned, especially in the context of acquiring a second language.
SLA theories can generally be grouped into three broad categories: those emphasizing the environment’s role, those focusing on the learner’s innate abilities, and those highlighting the interaction between the learner and their environment. Each of the eight theorists you’ll explore has contributed significantly to our understanding of SLA, offering insights that have shaped modern teaching practices. As you delve into these theories, consider how they might apply in different educational contexts and how understanding these perspectives can help you, as future educators, better support your students in mastering a new language.
This exploration will help you not only appreciate the diversity of thought in the field of SLA but also enable you to critically assess and apply these ideas in your teaching practice. Whether it’s Vygotsky’s emphasis on social interaction, Chomsky’s argument for an innate linguistic capacity, or Krashen’s focus on comprehensible input, each theory offers valuable tools and concepts that can inform your approach to teaching English as a second language.
Peter Abram 