Learning a Foreign Language as a College Student (Current Language-Learning Theory in a Nutshell)

„L1“ = „Mother Tounge“ = First Language „L2“ = „Foreign Language“ = Second (or Third...) Language L1 can be acquired without studying „grammar“. Can L2 also be acquired without „grammar“? What is grammar?

„Learning“ Acquiring vs. Two Different Ways of „Studying“ a Language

Learning L2Acquiring L2 Studying grammar and vocabulary Same process as learning history or math Knowing about the language Linear (studying twice as long, you know twice as much) Cramming can work Great range of abilities among students Learning helps you acquire, as you are able to “self-correct” and politely “correct” others, but acquisition must be the goal. No study of grammar needed Similar to acquiring L1 Knowing the language Non-linear (it will at times look like you‘re forgetting more than picking up) Cramming does not work Works best in an immersion setting Works best if the process is enjoyed! Best to hear and use the language as much as possible – even if not everything is understood! Like a child, the brain figures out grammar “behind the scenes”

Learning or Acquiring? In this course we will be „learning“ and „acquiring“ Spanish, with the ultimate goal being starting you off on the road to acquiring the language.

time results acquiring learning

Recent research revealing connections between the linguistic and motor regions of the brain has supported the notion, well known by many educators, that miming the actions representing or symbolizing the meaning of the language being learned (L2) as it is spoken reinforces and accelerates the acquisition of L2. BOTTOM LINE: Skits are great for learning languages!

Similarly, research revealing connections between the linguistic regions of the brain and the visual cortex supports the notion, that associating visual images (by viewing pictures of or by imagining an action or object that represents or symbolizes the meaning of the language being learned (L2) as it is spoken reinforces and accelerates the acquisition of L2. BOTTOM LINE: Drawing pictures and even the right kind of daydreaming can be great for learning languages!

„Interlanguage“ Interlanguage – a kind of „mish-mash“ of L1 and L2 grammar is a natural process in acquiring L2 while you’re on the road to “fluency”. Don’t be scared of it! Simply allow it to become more and more like L2. However, many exercises in class and in homework will still require certain grammar to be correct. Use Interlanguage when the goal of an exercise or an encounter with a Spanish speaker is to “communicate”. Allow “corrections” or “comprehension checks” to gently and steadily nudge your way to acquisition. Delight in your ability to communicate!

„Corrections“ Let‘s face it. No one likes to be corrected! Gentle and polite “corrections” are however a necessary part of “learning” a language in a normal classroom and students expect it! All students will make “errors”, or you are in the wrong class! Think of them as “stepping stones” rather than “stumbling blocks”. The sooner someone loses their fear of making “errors”, the faster and more enjoyable the process of learning a language!

„Corrections“ (cont’d) “Corrections” will help in both “learning” and “acquiring”. The Silver Lining: If you are corrected by the professor, you already know enough L2 to be understood by him! Rejoice in this fact! If the professor repeats your sentences (shadowing), it does not mean you have to say it again (unless you want to or he asks you to).

A Student’s Responsibility Please share your responsibility (as an adult) with the professor to strive for the most comfortable classroom experience. This means meeting with the professor and giving him feedback on how things like “corrections” feel, so both can work together towards the goal of learning and acquiring the new language. This is so important because everyone is different and thinks, feels and learns differently. This kind of “mature” feedback is not criticism and a dedicated professor always welcomes it!

Input “Input” is L2 that you are exposed to. At the beginning of learning a language it is very important to hear as much of the language as you can, as long as you understand some of it. Therefore a typical student will not understand everything I say as I provide you with such “input” – especially in the first few days. Don’t worry about this. This is quite normal as you get used to my accent. You should eventually understand most of what I am saying in class even if you don’t understand each individual word. Of course feedback on this is appreciated as well! Don’t skimp on your homework. It is important to hear as much Spanish as possible.