UNIT 12 : DIFFERENCES BETWEEN L1 AND L2 LEARNING

In this unit, I learned some of the differences between first language (L1) and second language (L2) learning. These differences are classified taking into account the learners ‘age, ways of learning and the context that they are learning in. First, regarding to learners´ age. When learning a firs language, generally we pick it up when we are babies listening to our parents using the language. It occurs at the same time we develop our cognitive skills. Then it continues through the years of childhood and improves into adolescence. On the other hand, when learning a second language, it can start when we are adults or in primary or secondary school when our cognitive skills are not yet developed. Second, regarding to context. People usually learn a first language by lots of exposure and interaction with people who speak the same language (native speakers) specially their parents. On the contrary, in a second language learning, learners are often taught grammar with little exposure to language since it can only be hear in the classroom which most of times is about 2 hours a week.  Moreover, when learning a first language there is strong motivation for doing it because we feel the need to communicate, we can play and experiment the language. Whereas in a second language our motivation can vary: strong, little or no motivation because the teacher only uses controlled practice activities and corrects mistakes all time. Third, regarding to ways of learning. In the first language, learners learn by talking about things that are presented in their surrounded while second language learners talk about topics that are mentioned in a book. Furthermore, first language learners receive a lot of encouragement and praise when using language which do not always occur with second language learners since some teachers do not treat all students equally, some of them receive more encouragement and praise than others.  I consider this is important to be aware of because we, as teachers, need to understand that learning a first language and a second language are two different processes.  When learning a second language we have to promote exposure because learners need to use language as much as possible to learn it. What I can do in this situation is to bring to the class authentic materials such as articles from magazines, movies, songs, etc. Thus, my students will notice how language is used in real life situations similar to that of first language. In addition, I can encourage interaction in the class by promoting group presentations in which learners help each other with language, it should be done depending on the student learning style, or designing responsibilities to each student. To sum up, the differences between learning a first language and a second one has goes from the age, ways of learning, and the context in which it is learned. The teacher´s task is to promote activities that are similar to those we acquire learning a first language. 

There are some links below that I consider useful and have more information related to this topic.

* Vivian Cook, V.(2010). The Relationship between Fist and Second  Language Learning. Retrieved from http://homepage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/Writings/Papers/L1&L22008.htm

* Al Ghazali, F.(2006). First Language Acquisition Vs Second Language Learning: What Is the Difference?. The University of Birmingham. Retrieved from http://usir.salford.ac.uk/22469/1/First_Language_Acquisition_Vs_Second_Language_Learning.pdf  

More books that  you can read:

^* Clarke, E.V. (2003), First Language Acquisition, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

*Cook, V.J. (2008), Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. 4th edition. London: Hodder Educational.