Best Practices for Distinguishing Language Acquisition From Learning: A Comprehensive Guide

Language acquisition and language learning are two distinct processes that are often conflated. While both involve the development of language skills, they differ in several key ways.

Language Acquisition

Language acquisition is the natural process of learning a language through immersion and interaction. It is similar to the way children learn their first language, and it typically occurs in informal settings such as the home or community.

Supporting English Learners in the Classroom: Best Practices for Distinguishing Language Acquisition from Learning Disabilities

by Alex Quigley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

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There are four main stages of language acquisition:

1. Pre-production: The learner has no functional ability in the language.
2. Early production: The learner begins to produce single words and short phrases.
3. Intermediate production: The learner can produce longer and more complex sentences.
4. Advanced production: The learner can communicate fluently and accurately.

Language acquisition is a complex process that takes time and effort. It requires exposure to a language in a meaningful way, and it is often facilitated by interaction with native speakers.

Language Learning

Language learning is the formal process of learning a language through instruction. It typically occurs in a classroom setting, and it involves the study of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

There are many different methods of language learning, but some of the most common include:

• Grammar-translation method: This method emphasizes the study of grammar rules and the translation of texts from one language to another.
• Audio-lingual method: This method emphasizes the repetition of dialogues and the memorization of vocabulary.
• Communicative approach: This method emphasizes the development of communication skills through activities such as role-playing and group work.

Language learning can be a more efficient way to develop language skills than language acquisition, but it is important to note that it is not a substitute for immersion and interaction.

Differences Between Language Acquisition and Language Learning

There are several key differences between language acquisition and language learning:

1. Goal: The goal of language acquisition is to develop natural and fluent language skills. The goal of language learning is to develop academic language skills.
2. Process: Language acquisition is a natural process that occurs through immersion and interaction. Language learning is a formal process that occurs through instruction.
3. Setting: Language acquisition typically occurs in informal settings such as the home or community. Language learning typically occurs in a classroom setting.
4. Time: Language acquisition can take years or even decades to complete. Language learning can be completed in a shorter period of time.

Best Practices for Distinguishing Language Acquisition From Learning

There are several things that educators can do to help distinguish language acquisition from language learning:

• Use different terms: Use different terms to refer to language acquisition and language learning, such as "natural language development" and "foreign language instruction."
• Identify the learners' goals: Determine whether the learners are interested in developing natural and fluent language skills or academic language skills.
• Provide opportunities for immersion and interaction: Create opportunities for learners to immerse themselves in the language and interact with native speakers.
• Use a variety of teaching methods: Use a variety of teaching methods to cater to the different learning styles of learners.
• Assess learners' progress: Use different assessment methods to assess learners' progress in language acquisition and language learning.

By following these best practices, educators can help learners distinguish between language acquisition and language learning and achieve their language-learning goals.

Language acquisition and language learning are two distinct but complementary processes. By understanding the differences between these two processes, educators can better support learners in their language-learning journey.

Supporting English Learners in the Classroom: Best Practices for Distinguishing Language Acquisition from Learning Disabilities

by Alex Quigley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE