The second language acquisition tradition

In general terms SLA makes a distinction between acquisition process (similar to the way we learn L1, a subconscious acquisition) and learning process (conscious process). Both processes interact together in a meaningful context, which means in a natural communication.

Why don’t we reach the same level as a native speaker? Affective filters are “negative feelings towards the target language or learning situation (…) then the input which should feed the acquisition process is blocked.”(pg. 240)

There are two models based on SLA

1. The Natural Approach: explains that the most relevant elements in language acquisition are to provide comprehensible input. The activities are focused on affective-humanistic factors to decrease the affective filter. The main idea is to centre the activities on meaning rather than form.

2. The Total Physical Response: this method is underlined by two characteristics. The first one is related to the importance of getting big amount of input before starting to speak. Secondly, when kids receive input (imperative sentences, orders) they do physical manipulation and respond to the requirement. Therefore teachers have to emphasize in comprehension rather than production.

English language learning experience

The first contact I had with English when at the year of six. We moved to USA, South Carolina, because of my father’s job. I started school there, from first to second grade. I don’t remember having problems with English. When one is younger we are like sponges, we learn very quickly. When we came back to Chile I entered to a German spoken school, so I didn’t practice it more. In eighth grade I started again studying English, two hours a week. At that moment it wasn’t difficult to learn English, because the level was low and knowing another language makes it easier. When I think on my weakest aspect, it would be grammar. I don’t have good memory and at that age it wasn’t interesting to learn the rules.

Once I entered to the university I didn’t study English more, until last year that I travelled to Australia. There I realized that English wasn´t so easy. There were many grammar rules and structures I didn’t know. I have never thought on verbs followed by prepositions. I understood the language as being able to communicate in informal situations.

Language Skills Reflection

My strongest skills are related with input, such as reading and listening. I understand most of the listening, not only in classes, also when I watch movies, songs, etc. I like to hear other people talking English (in the subway, touristic places, talk shows). I like to notice how others use the language and how the organise the sentences, the intonation, vocabulary. It’s a kind of analysis.

I think that my weakest skill is speaking. Although I have never had problems to speak in Spanish or German (my L2) I do have problems to organise my ideas in English. When I search for a reason I think that I think too much before speaking, whether on grammar structures or new vocabulary that I have learnt. I feel the need to apply everything, but at the end it’s very confusing. Another idea could be that I have never practiced speaking at school. The classes where focused on learning vocabulary, grammar and practice listening and reading skills. The only way to improve it is to practice! That’s for sure! In every aspect of our lives we have to give our best to progress. The positive thing is that I know what aspects are weak and I’m trying to practice this skill in order to become a better English teacher. Once I feel confident when I’m speaking it will be much easier to relax myself!