In this paper, I will focus on two aspects of language acquisition, namely external factors and the acquisition process itself. They seem to me, on the one hand, basic to the topic itself and, on the other hand, suitable parameters for comparison. One should bear in mind that the external factors are concrete facts since they can be observed. Whereas the acquisition process itself happens in the learner‘s mind and can therefore not be described as accurate as the external factors although neurology today is able to examine a lot of the brain‘s functions. Since my knowledge about neurology is only very, very basic, I will not go into detail here and neglect this part of the acquisition process.
Note: 1,3
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. First Language Acquisition
- a. External Factors
- b. The Acquisition Process
- III. Second Language Acquisition
- a. External Factors
- b. Acquisition Process
- IV. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition, focusing on the external factors and the acquisition process itself. It explores whether these two processes are fundamentally alike or distinct.
- The influence of external factors, such as time, input, social environment, and feedback, on both first and second language acquisition.
- The role of internal factors, such as age, prior knowledge, and motivation, in language learning.
- The stages and processes involved in acquiring different linguistic elements, such as phonetics, phonology, semantics, lexis, morphology, and syntax.
- The phenomenon of “motherese” and its potential impact on language acquisition.
- The concept of Universal Grammar and its implications for language learning.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction
The introduction provides a brief overview of the historical context surrounding the debate about similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition. It highlights the growing research on second language acquisition in the 1970s and the complexity of the question at hand.
II. First Language Acquisition
a. External Factors
This section examines the external factors that influence first language acquisition, including time, input, social environment, and feedback. It discusses the notion of “motherese” and its potential role in the process.
b. The Acquisition Process
This section delves into the internal factors that contribute to first language acquisition, such as age, prior knowledge, and motivation. It explores the different levels of language acquisition (phonetics/phonology, semantics/lexis, morphology/syntax) and how children acquire them. It provides insights into the development of vocabulary, meaning, and grammar in children.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper revolves around the key concepts of first and second language acquisition, external and internal factors influencing these processes, the acquisition of different linguistic elements (phonetics, phonology, semantics, lexis, morphology, syntax), “motherese”, and Universal Grammar.
- Quote paper
- Eva-Maria Griese (Author), 2006, Are there similarities in first and second language acquisition?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/64365
