Adventures in Language - Essential Terms and Concepts for SLA

Introduction

• Guide: Caitlin
• Topic: Packing list for second language acquisition (SLA)
• Focus: 9 essential terms and concepts
• Objective: Ensure understanding of basic SLA terms

1. Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

• Definition: Scientific field focused on learning/teaching second and subsequent languages
• Subfield: Linguistics
• Abbreviation: SLA
• Dual Meaning:
  • Field of study (capitalized)
  • Learning process (lowercase)
  • Contextual Use:
    • Field: "SLA research can inform practices in language classrooms."
    • Learning Process: "SLA takes more effort than first language acquisition."
• Written Distinction: SLA (field) vs L2 acquisition (process)

2. First Language (L1)

• Definition: Language learned very early in life (birth to age 4)
• Other Terms: Native language, mother tongue
• Acquisition Context: From parents, relatives, or caregivers
• Bilinguals: Individuals with multiple first languages
• Complexity: Varied by individual circumstances

3. Second Language (L2)

• Definition: Any additional language learned after first language
• Synonyms: Foreign language, target language, world language
• Contextual Nuances:
  • Could be second, third, fourth, etc.
  • Children learning languages at different stages (e.g., birth, age 2)
• Simplified: L1 is learned in infancy; L2 is any language learned after

4. Acquisition

• Definition: Process of developing a skill (language ability in context of SLA)
• Synonym: Learning
• Historical Distinction: Previously considered different processes; now treated synonymously

5. Second Language Learners

• Definition: Individuals learning second languages
• Lifelong Process: Many consider themselves learners for life
• Alternative Terms: Users, speakers, writers, signers (emphasizes usage over acquisition)

6. Input

• Definition: Target language exposed to learners (listening, reading, viewing)
• Necessity: Rich, varied input essential for language learning

7. Output

• Definition: Target language produced by learners (speaking, writing, signing)
• Importance: Output practice helps in understanding complex grammar concepts

8. Proficiency

• Definition: Individual's level of ability in a language
• Scale: Beginner to native-like
• Intermediate Plateau: Large middle ground many learners experience
• Skill Variation: Different proficiency levels in reading, speaking, etc.
• Challenges: Difficult to define/measure accurately

9. Bilingual

• Definition: Individual fluent in two languages from birth
• Complexity:
  • Adults learning a second language
  • Bilingualism as a spectrum
• Field Distinction: SLA (learning process) vs bilingualism (living with multiple languages)
• Interrelation: Journals, books, courses often overlap

Conclusion

• Summary: Essential terms for SLA defined and explained
• Study Aid: Printable and online flashcards available
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