Towards the Ultimate Target of L2 Acquisition:

Abstract

There has been a significant falling rate in Malaysians’ English proficiency in recent years. This paper studies a proficient English L2 user aiming to investigate the case’s engagement in learning English from birth to primary 6. It is hoped to find out the implications (possible procedures and strategies) for moulding a child into a competent English user in the non-English setting in Malaysia. “Reflexivity”, a qualitative research method, was employed. The sample’s parent reflected and detailed the child’s learning journey with evidence of learning and achievements. Apart from the thorough recount on the child’s engagement with the L2 before formal education, the sample’s writings done in primary school were randomly selected and scrutinized with a text-analysing digital tool “Text Inspector©” whose analysis results were mapped with CEFR levels to examine his progression towards the mastery of the target language. The findings demonstrate that, first, exposing a child to English right after birth greatly triggers the learning process and the effects are significant; second, the provision of rich family literacy greatly complements the lacking of English environment; third, “imitation” can be an essential strategy to expedite the learner’s command of English.