First & Second Language Acquisition: Similarities & Differences

The term "acquisition" is often used by linguists to describe the natural process of developing a language as contrasted with consciously "learning" a language, e.g., in a grammar activity or memorizing a spelling list.  In real life, acquisition and learning are often mixed together. For example, in a science class an ESOL student watching a demonstration and listening to the teacher may be unconsciously acquiring new language, but he may also be consciously noting (learning) unfamiliar vocabulary. Thus, this section focuses on how individuals acquire, not learn, a first or second language. 

Please read pages 25-26 in your study guide and then return to the online module to review the key points of this reading.

Note:  First and second language acquisition are more similar than they are different.

 

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