2.3
Nature of Learning
Learning contains a number of characteristic features (Brown, 1994):
Unit 2 Reviewing Bases of Second Language Acquisition
Unit Preview
Unit topic focus: definition of language different views about language nature of learning misconceptions of learning mystery of first language acquisition
Learning contains a number of characteristic features (Brown, 1994):
1) Learning is acquisition or "getting". 2) Learning is retention of knowledge, information or skill. 3) Retention implies storage systems, memory, and cognitive organization. 4) Learning involves active, conscious focus on and acting upon events outside or inside the
Pre-learning Tasks
1. Search the internet to get the definitions of language and learning and explain them with examples to your classmates. 2. Reflect on your own experience of learning the mother tongue. 3. How do you understand the act of learning? Is language learning similar to other types of learning? Why ?
2.2
Different Views about Language
Views at the-turn-of-the-century
1) language is a system: each element of the language has a value only in terms of the rules under which it operates and in relation to all other elements.
2.2
Different Views about Language
The functionalists’view represented by M. A. K. Halliday 5) The interpersonal function allows a speaker to express feelings, emotions and personality. 6) The interpersonal function allows a speaker to express feelings, emotions and personality. 7) The imaginative function serves to create imaginary systems or ideas.
In short, language is a unique system of communication, and it is the cornerstone of society.
2.2
Different Views about Language
The primitive view
1) language is an organism: growth and change are of more interest than the static formal rules.
2) language is writing: the written record of the language is the “purest” form. Speech is secondary and to be distrusted since it is ephemeral and degenerate. 3) language is conventional: language is conventional and it is not only invented, but in its progressive advancement, it varies for the purposes of practical convenience.
2.1
What is Language?
"Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication." (Wardhaugh 1977).
2.1
What is Language?
• By "system" we mean the recurring patterns or arrangements or the particular ways or designs in which a language operates. All elements in the system of language are arranged in accordance with certain rules; they can not be combined at will. • By “arbitrary vocal symbols” it is meant that anything that represents something else is a symbol, for example, the dove is the symbol of peace. Language consists of another type of symbols, s. These symbols are not chosen for any particular reasons but at random.
2) The regulatory function is the control of events.
3) The representational function is the use of language to “represent” reality as one sees it. 4) The interactional function serves to ensure social maintenance.
2.2
Different Views about Language
The mentalists’ view represented by N. Chomsky 1) language is a system which relates meaning to substance: it emphasizes meaning in linguistic description. 2) language is a mental phenomenon and innate: the innateness of language suggests a genetically imparted ability for language learning. 3) language is universal: all normal children acquire a mother tongue. At a highly abstract level, all languages must share some universal characteristics.
2.2
Different Views about Language
The functionalists’view represented by M. A. K. Halliday 1) The instrumental function serves to manipulate the environment.
2) language is a structural system: language is a system of forms, elements or items of which are combined in certain ways to create sentences. 3) language is an arbitrary system: there is absolutely no relationship between the words and the objects they represent.
2.3
Nature of Learning
Learning is "acquiring or getting of knowledge of a subject or a skill by study, experience, or instruction" ----Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Learning is a relatively permanent change in a behavioral tendency and is the result of reinforced practice. ----Kimble & Garmezy, 1963