Abstract
In an attempt to understand and explain first language (L1) acquisition and second language (L2) acquisition scholars have put forward many theories. These theories can aid language teachers to understand language learning and to assist their students in their language learning process. The current paper will first look at the similarities between the L1 and L2 acquisition. Then, the differences will be outlined. In the last part of the paper the implications of these findings for foreign language teachers will be discussed.
Highlights
Argues that it builds competence in the learner via listening, Gibbons (1985, cited in Ellis, 1994) argues that it is a stage of incomprehension
Formulaic speech is defined as expressions which are learnt as unanalysable wholes and employed on particular occasions (Lyons, 1968, cited in Ellis, 1994)
Structural simplifications take the form of omitting grammatical functors and semantic simplifications take the form of omitting content words (e. g. nouns, verbs)
Summary
Researchers have tried to find out if there is an order of acquisition in acquiring grammatical morphemes. According to Brown, there is a common - invariant - sequence of acquisition for at least 14 function words in English as a first language noun and verb inflections, prepositions, and articles Findings of these studies pointed out that there is a definite order in the acquisition of morphemes in English first language learners. Based on the morpheme studies in L2 acquisition, Krashen (1982) put forward the Natural Order Hypothesis which he developed to account for second language acquisition He claimed that we acquire the rules of language in a predictable order. McLaughlin (1987) claims that evidence from research shows that the learner's first language has an effect on acquisitional sequences which either slows their development or modifies it He adds that, considerable individual variation in how learners acquire a second language, such as different learning, performance, and communication strategies, obscure the acquisitional sequences for certain constructions. One should be careful not to claim for an invariant order of acquisition but for a more flexible order of acquisition and be aware of the variations affecting this order
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