Second Language Acquisition Forum

The tide of globalization makes it essential for everybody riding the tide to pick up a second, or even a third, language. The advancement of information and communication technology is partly responsible for bringing the tide and it also changes the way a second language can be acquired. This forum invites learners and will-be-learners, experts and nonexperts, to present and discuss views on how is best to learn a second language in the 21st century and beyond.

Showing posts with label What does it mean to learn a second language?. Show all posts

December 4, 2012

Language=motor skill

Learning a second language also means acquiring a new motor skill, which consists of not only action but also perception. Perception and action mutually support each other in the development of the skill. Observation and imitation play an important learning role here; so do motor imagery and mental practice.

December 3, 2012

Language=mindset=social/cultural identity

Learning and acquiring a second language means adopting a different mindset, reconfiguring the existing cognitive system, and restructuring the current knowledge base. Acquiring a second language also means to be a different person with a different social/cultural identity. A psychologically prepared learner must be ready both cognitively and socially.