Week 4 Discussion

What are the similarities and differences between learning a second language and acquiring
your first language? If possible, include any anecdotals from your own personal experiences.

There are many similarities between learning a second language and acquiring a first
language. For both experiences we learn primarily from what we hear spoken around us. In fact,
our progress greatly depends on how much meaningful language we have been exposed to. We
also mimic phrases heard and the accent of the people around us. When learning a second
language and acquiring our first language, we learn from tone of voice, gestures, and instant
feedback during interactions. Also, we move through the same stages, from non-verbal to
speaking a few words, followed by producing short phrases. I remember when my daughters
were older babies, but had not yet begun to speak. They recognized their names and could follow
simple directions, so we knew they understood the language before they were able to speak it.
Learning a second language is also very different from acquiring a first language. The
process of learning a first language is very natural and almost subconscious, while the choice to
learn a second language in school is deliberate. The motivation behind acquiring a first language
is to communicate needs in order to have those needs met, while the motivation to learn a second
language stems from wanting to fit into and succeed in a new culture. When acquiring a first
language, we learn from loving parents with no stress, but learning a second language from non-
family members (teachers and peers) comes with the stress of possible embarrassment and public
failure. I remember the fear of failing in front of a classroom as a child. It would be a very
different experience to learn a language in that public surrounding, rather than in the privacy of
your home.