Second Language Learning as Habit Formation from a Hegelian Perspective

Abstract

This paper proposes that the Hegelian conceptualization of habit that differs from the traditional ones is able to resolve the tensions between the mechanistic behavioral and social interactional views on second language (L2) learning. Hegel treats habit as comprising dexterous habit and ethical habit or customs. In the 1970s L2 learning was regarded as formation of mechanistic habit. With L2 researchers’ increasing awareness of the social nature of L2 learning, the behaviorist view was dismissed and was replaced by socio-cultural theories. There is a more recent “social turn” in L2 learning research which puts an even stronger emphasis on social interactions in L2 learning. Hegel’s dual-nature conceptualization of habit not only can resolve the tensions caused by the antagonistic behavioral and social perspectives on L2 which has been existing among L2 researchers but also offers new agenda items for L2 learning such as reflectiveness, morality, and self-feeling reduction and regulation functions of L2 learning. Hegel’s views on morality can also balance the monolingual perspectives on culture learning prevailing in the L2 field.