Unit 12 Differences between L1 & L2 Learning

Differences between L1 & L2

learning
 L1  L2
-Age - starts -in the primary
from birth (1-6 school
years old)  might have developed

 Learn as their cognitive

cognition develops skills(adults)
 Want to learn to
 Intrinsic motivation –
need the language to travel, to study etc
communicate
Differences between L1 & L2
Learning content & method
 By exposure, pick up  Often taught about
 Learn by chunks language items &
structures
 With strong
motivation via  With or without
interaction motivation
 Silent period  Practice period
 Lots of opportunities  Limited
are available opportunities
 Lots of praise &  Vary
encouragement  Teachers often simplify
 People the language
reformulate  Teachers reformulate
Key concepts in the language
teaching classroom
Praise & appreciation in the
classroom - compulsory
Motivation necessary for
successful language learning
Different learning styles

How we teach depends on

age – young learners learn
it like L1, exposure,
interaction & learning

Interaction – encourage silent period – whether

interaction in the classroom
necessary or not
Simplify the language –
Exposure - necessary
learners
will gain confidence
Language acquisition Vs
learning