Linguistics

and
Language Acquisition

S.L.A. EDU-510, February 2018

Summary Presentation for Discussion and Expansion
References: Krashen (1988), Ellis (1990), Poole (1999), Brown (2000), Hummel (2014), Lightbown/Spada (2014)
 Linguistics
Studies the levels of interaction among factors involved in
the production and use of language.
The existence of linguistics universals -features which can be
recognized as common between different languages- have
been established through:
- Typological universals gathered through representative
group sample of languages.
- Noam Chomsky’s Universal Grammar theory, deeply
focusing on individual languages and common
principles, parameters and construction of their
respective grammars.

Universal factors point to a general disposition by human

beings to in fact, acquire language skills.
 Linguistics and Language

Linguistics Fields Language Features

Sound utterances
Phonetics
Sound patterns
Phonology
Morphology
Sound combinations
Semantics Word formation
Syntax Word meaning
Psycholinguistics Word interaction
Sociolinguistics Language and human behavior
Applied Language and social behavior
Linguistics Problem-solving in
language-related issues
 Nature of Language

• Governed by specific structural codes.

• Inter-changeable at different levels of use.
• Operates in explicit and subtle ways.
• Subject to be instructed and learned.
• As one of human beings’ most perpetual
skills, languages are subject to change,
evolution, and even extinction.
 Phonology
• The study of speech sounds in the context of languages, or
the sound system used in a particular language
constitutes phonology.

• A number of common phonological characteristics are

present among different languages, but specific features
exist for each language and its dialectical variations.

• The study of phonetics -towards the understanding of a

language’s phonology- will steer to the conclusion that
language acquisition is pre-set among human beings by
reason of organs and anatomy.
 Syntax
• Identifies the purpose or role of words within a sentence.
• Studies the different combinations of words -from
simple to complex- that can generate a logical sentence.
• Establishes what constitutes the “logical word order”
within sentences.
• An underlying common principle among languages, it
can be considered an aspect that is naturally acquired by
first language learners and induced in second or
additional language learners.
 Morphology
• Identifies key word components.
• Studies how word components interact within a
specific language.
• Identifies processes of word formation.
• Explains degrees of complexity in word
formation processes.
• Authentic language acquisition is in part based
on the recognition of word formation patterns
for use in phrases and sentences.
 Semantics
Addresses the concept of meaning within and
between words, including:
• The scope of meaning within related words.
• Ways in which words alter the meaning of other words.
The human factor in the acquisition, retaining and
transformation of the meaning of words is key to
the proper handling of language skills. Conscious
and subconscious use of semantics is a key factor
in language fluency.
 Psycholinguistics
• More closely related to second language
acquisition than other linguistics fields, it
focuses on the links between language and
human behavior.
• Aims at identifying and explaining the
conditions and processes related to language use
at different age stages.
• From its onset as a formal discipline of study, it
has provided critical contributions in the
development of improved teaching and learning
of languages.
 Psycholinguistics
• It has provided theoretical foundations for
-based on research, observation and data
analysis- which have resulted in more
effective classroom methodologies and
practice, in conjunction with other
linguistics fields.
 Sociolinguistics
• It has contributed a great deal of knowledge in trying to
explain the influence of social interaction at different
levels on acquiring a first language, and the mastery of
additional ones.
• Interaction occurs in different formats, from existing
family bonds to policies that influence larger social
contexts, including academic-based ones.
• While psycholinguistics may explore language and
behavior at an individual level -even trying to explain
collective trends-, sociolinguistics aims at the impact of
group activity on a larger scale over first and second
language acquisition.
 Applied Linguistics
• Focuses on the practical outcomes of
understanding language characteristics in
crafting skills aimed at making language
mastery an achievable outcome for anyone that
pursues it.
• Its impact derives mainly from the influence
other linguistics areas channeled into better
understanding and confronting issues that affect
first and additional language acquisition
processes.