Technological University of

Santiago
Subject
Introduction to the Bachelor's Degree in
Foreign Languages

Student
Leticia De Mota

Tuition

Teacher
Pedro Chalas
Language Learning Vs Language Acquisition

The theory of language learning and acquisition is a process that develops

through interaction and language development.

Noam Chomsky's theory of innatism postulates that human beings are born
with an innate predisposition to acquire language. This predisposition is
manifested through what Chomsky called “universal grammar.”

Language Learning

Language learning is the process of acquiring knowledge of one or more

languages. It’s a creative process that involves the reconstruction of
meanings and the gradual construction of linguistic knowledge.

Language learning also involves learning about the culture of the country in
which the language is spoken.

Language teaching is a branch of applied linguistics. University foreign

language programs typically include the study of the grammar, literature,
history, and culture of the countries where the languages ​studied are
spoken.

Language Acquisition

Language acquisition is a cognitive process that consists of learning to

communicate verbally. It’s a long and complex process that begins at birth
and lasts until puberty.

Language acquisition involves linguistic, cognitive and social skills. It's

specifically human capacity.
Behavioral theory holds that language acquisition is the result of exposure to
and interaction with the environment. According to this approach, children
learn language through imitation, repetition and reinforcement.

The term "Language Acquisition Device" (LAD) refers to the human ability to
acquire language, common to all individuals and innate in nature.

Differences between Language Learning and Language

Acquisition.

Language learning is a conscious process that involves learning about a

language's structure and sound system. Language acquisition is a
subconscious process that involves absorbing a language's structure and
sound system without explicitly thinking about it.

Language learning is more likely to be the result of formal teaching, while

language acquisition is the process of gaining language knowledge naturally.

Approach between Language Learning and Language Acquisition

Language learning is a conscious, intellectual process that involves learning

about a language's structure and sound system. Language acquisition is a
natural, subconscious process that involves absorbing a language's
structure and sound system without consciously thinking about it.

Language learning is the result of formal teaching, such as taking Spanish

classes at a community college. Language acquisition is similar to how a
child learns their first language.

Language acquisition allows people to use language intuitively, with less

attention to grammatical rules. Language learning offers a deep
understanding of the language's structure, making it possible to comprehend
and use more complex forms.
Some say that acquisition is much more powerful than learning.