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CSET SUBTEST SPANISH I > First & Second Acquisition Basics > Flashcards

First & Second Acquisition Basics Flashcards

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1
Q

What is language acquisition?

A

The process by which humans learn to communicate effectively in a target language.

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2
Q

What are the four main theories of language acquisition?

A

Linguistic theory, behaviorist theory, cognitive theory, and interactionist theory.

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3
Q

What is linguistic theory?

A

Noam Chomsky’s theory is that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language through a language acquisition device.

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4
Q

What is the critical period hypothesis?

A

The idea that humans have a specific window (before puberty) in which they can acquire language most effectively.

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5
Q

What is behaviorist theory?

A

The theory that language is learned through conditioning, imitation, and reinforcement, as proposed by B.F. Skinner.

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6
Q

What is cognitive learning theory?

A

Jean Piaget’s theory is that language development occurs in four stages and is tied to intellectual growth.

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7
Q

What is interactionist theory?

A

Jerome Bruner’s theory that language acquisition is a partnership between children and caregivers, shaped by social interaction.

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8
Q

What are the three main stages of language development?

A

Babbling stage, one-word stage, and two-word stage, leading to full sentence formation.

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9
Q

What is telegraphic speech?

A

Short, direct utterances used by toddlers that convey meaning without full grammatical structure (e.g., “Want milk”).

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10
Q

What are the criticisms of linguistic theory?

A

Lack of empirical studies, no neuroscientific evidence, and uncertainty about the existence of a language acquisition device.

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11
Q

What is sequential second language learning?

A

When a child is fluent in one language and is then introduced to another, often in a new environment.

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12
Q

What is the first stage of second language acquisition?

A

Pre-production (silent receptive stage) – minimal comprehension, about 500 words, relies on gestures instead of speech.

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13
Q

What happens in the early production stage?

A

Lasts about six months, the child begins speaking short phrases, vocabulary grows to 1,000 words, and grammar is still limited.

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14
Q

What is speech emergence?

A

Lasts one to three years, comprehension improves, child starts forming simple sentences with about 3,000 words.

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15
Q

What happens in the intermediate fluency stage?

A

Occurs three to five years after exposure, vocabulary reaches 6,000 words, grammar improves, some students begin thinking in the new language.

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16
Q

What is advanced fluency?

A

It can take up to ten years, a near-native grasp of the language, and still requires support, but can communicate fluently.

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17
Q

Why do children in the pre-production stage rely on gestures?

A

They have minimal comprehension and use pointing, nodding, and drawing instead of speaking.

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18
Q

How does grammar develop in second language acquisition?

A

Starts with memorized phrases, then simple sentences, and eventually complex grammar structures.

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19
Q

What role does vocabulary play in language acquisition?

A

Vocabulary grows from 500 words in pre-production to 6,000+ words in intermediate fluency, helping comprehension.

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20
Q

How long does it take to reach advanced fluency?

A

Up to ten years, depending on exposure, practice, and support.

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21
Q

What is first language acquisition?

A

The process by which a child instinctively acquires their first language without formal instruction.

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22
Q

What is second language acquisition?

A

The process of learning a second language after a first language is already established, often requiring conscious effort.

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23
Q

What are the six stages of language acquisition?

A

Pre-production, early production, speech emergence, beginning fluency, intermediate fluency, and advanced fluency.

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24
Q

How does first language acquisition differ from second language acquisition?

A

First language acquisition is instinctive and starts at birth, while second language acquisition requires effort and instruction.

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25
What is the pre-production stage?
The stage where learners listen but do not produce language, sometimes repeating words without understanding them.
26
What happens in the early production stage?
Learners begin to use short words or phrases, often with errors, while focusing on listening and internalizing language.
27
What is speech emergence?
The stage where learners start forming longer sentences with fewer errors and rely on context clues.
28
What is beginning fluency?
Learners can communicate comfortably on familiar topics but struggle with complex vocabulary.
29
What is intermediate fluency?
Learners can discuss complex topics, analyze situations, and use idiomatic expressions with fewer errors.
30
What is advanced fluency?
Learners can communicate effectively on unfamiliar topics with a high vocabulary range, though minor errors may still occur.
31
What are the affective factors in second language acquisition?
Emotions and attitudes that influence a student's ability to learn a second language.
32
How does inhibition affect language learning?
High inhibition can prevent students from participating, making them feel vulnerable and less capable.
33
How do attitudes impact second language acquisition?
Positive attitudes toward teachers, classmates, and learning materials improve language learning, while negative attitudes hinder progress.
34
What role does anxiety play in second language learning?
Anxiety from social pressure, immigration concerns, or academic expectations can negatively affect performance.
35
How does self-esteem influence language acquisition?
Low self-esteem can make students doubt their abilities, leading to lower participation and academic struggles.
36
What is an affective filter?
A psychological barrier that prevents students from fully engaging in language learning due to fear or discomfort.
37
How can teachers lower students' affective filters?
By encouraging communication, asking engaging questions, and creating a supportive environment.
38
Why is constructive feedback important in language learning?
Supportive feedback helps students feel more confident and willing to participate.
39
How can valuing students' backgrounds improve language learning?
Recognizing and incorporating students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds makes learning more meaningful.
40
What is linguistic risk-taking?
Encouraging students to communicate without fear of making mistakes, helping them develop fluency.
41
What are personal and social factors in second language development?
Factors like age, motivation, learning style, and culture influence how quickly and effectively someone learns a second language.
42
How does age affect second language acquisition?
Younger children learn languages more quickly and retain fluency longer, especially through implicit learning (communication-based teaching)
43
What is implicit vs. explicit language learning?
Implicit learning happens through natural communication, while explicit learning involves formal instruction like grammar and vocabulary memorization.
44
Why is motivation important in second language learning?
Strong motivation leads to more practice, commitment, and retention, while weak motivation slows progress.
45
How does necessity impact language learning?
People who need a language for daily life (e.g., immigrants) learn faster than those who study it casually.
46
What are the seven major learning styles?
Visual, aural, verbal, physical, social, logical, and solitary—each affects how a person best learns a language.
47
How does culture influence second language acquisition?
A student’s home culture, peer culture, and first language can either help or hinder language learning.
48
How does peer culture affect language learning?
Supportive peers encourage practice, while a lack of encouragement can slow progress.
49
Why do some languages take longer to learn?
The more similar a second language is to a person’s first language, the easier it is to learn.
50
What is the best method for second language learning?
A combination of implicit and explicit instruction tailored to the learner’s age, motivation, and learning style.
51
What are the political factors in second language development?
Situations impacting a specific cultural group due to governmental or organizational policies and structures.
52
How does school culture affect second language learning?
If schools do not promote diversity, English learners may isolate themselves and struggle with language development.
53
How can teachers improve school culture for language learners?
By assigning activities that encourage interaction between English learners and native speakers.
54
How does the status of a student’s primary language affect learning?
If a school does not validate a student’s mother tongue, they may feel less motivated to learn a second language.
55
How can teachers support students’ primary languages?
By allowing students to present aspects of their culture and use their first language as a learning tool.
56
What is language planning and policy?
Government or school policies that determine how languages are taught and used in education.
57
How can educators influence language policies?
By working with administrators to recommend changes, such as hiring bilingual teachers.
58
How does community involvement affect second language learning?
A welcoming community encourages students to feel included and motivated to learn the language.
59
How can schools involve the community in language learning?
By hosting cultural events that allow students to share their traditions and interact with residents.
60
What is the role of teachers in overcoming political barriers to language learning?
Teachers can create inclusive environments, advocate for policy changes, and encourage cultural exchange.
61
What is sociolinguistics?
The study of how social context influences the development and use of language.
62
How do social factors affect language use?
Characteristics like family, income, religion, and geography shape how people speak and acquire language.
63
What is second language acquisition?
The process of learning a second language, influenced by age, geography, teaching methods, and socioeconomic status.
64
How does geography impact second language learning?
Learners in different regions pick up distinct vocabulary, phrasing, and grammar structures.
65
What is Standard American English?
A general set of grammatical and spelling rules, though variations exist across regions and social groups
66
What are dialects?
Variations in language based on regional or social groups affect grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
67
What is register in language?
The way language shifts depending on context, such as formal writing vs. casual conversation.
68
What is style in sociolinguistics?
The social meaning behind words and how they reflect a person's identity and social situation.
69
How do dialect, register, and style shape language?
They create diverse versions of a language, influencing how second-language learners adapt.
70
Why is sociolinguistics important in second language learning?
It helps learners understand language diversity, making communication more effective.
71
What is recursion in linguistics?
A phenomenon where a grammatical sentence can contain another sentence within it, allowing for infinite sentence expansion.
72
Who introduced the concept of recursion in language?
Noam Chomsky argued that recursion is a universal property of human language.
73
What is an example of recursion in a sentence?
"The girl thinks the book is long." The phrase "the book is long" is a complete sentence embedded within another sentence.
74
How does recursion relate to creativity in language?
Since recursion allows for unlimited sentence expansion, it enables complex and creative human expression.
75
Who challenged the universality of recursion?
Linguist Daniel Everett, who argued that the Piraha language lacks recursion.
76
Why is Everett’s claim controversial?
If recursion is not universal, it challenges Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar.
77
What is reliability in language?
The extent to which language accurately conveys meaning and serves as a dependable communication tool.
78
What is symbolization in language?
The process of translating thoughts into words, phrases, or sentences.
79
What do post-structuralist thinkers argue about language reliability?
Some theorists, like Jacques Lacan and Judith Butler, suggest that language may be an imperfect substitute for thought and emotion.
80
What are alternative ways to communicate beyond language?
Affect, image, and gesture can supplement or replace linguistic communication
81
What is oral language development?
The process of learning and improving spoken language skills through practice and engagement.
82
Why is oral language development important?
It helps students communicate effectively, build vocabulary, and comprehend discussions.
83
How can reading improve oral language skills?
Reading aloud helps students analyze concepts, recognize ideas, and improve pronunciation.
84
What is critical thinking in oral language?
The ability to rationalize, analyze, and evaluate arguments to improve communication skills.
85
What are some critical thinking strategies for oral language?
Reading aloud, problem-solving games, debates, panel discussions, and using books without pictures.
86
What is creative expression in oral language?
The use of spoken language in artistic activities like music, poetry, theater, and storytelling.
87
How does creative expression improve oral language?
It encourages engagement, interaction, and the use of figurative language.
88
What are some creative expression strategies for oral language?
Theater plays, puppet shows, poetry, music, show and tell, and literature.
89
How do debates help oral language development?
They require students to use logical reasoning, articulate ideas, and support arguments with evidence
90
How does literature contribute to oral language skills?
Reading and presenting stories aloud helps students practice fluency, expression, and comprehension.
91
What is language acquisition?
The process by which humans learn their native language, often instinctive in early childhood.
92
What is universal grammar?
A theory suggesting that all languages share a basic grammatical structure, making language acquisition possible.
93
How do phonemes influence language learning?
Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language, and infants develop awareness of them by 12 months of age.
94
What is diglossia?
A situation where two dialects or languages are spoken fluently within a single community, often with one being more formal.
95
How does diglossia affect language acquisition?
Exposure to multiple phonemes in childhood can make learning additional languages easier later in life.
96
How do personal experiences influence language development?
Children exposed to diverse experiences, such as travel and museums, tend to acquire language more quickly.
97
How does socioeconomic status impact language acquisition?
Children from wealthier families may have more varied experiences, leading to advanced language skills.
98
Why is learning a second language harder than acquiring a first language?
The brain becomes trained to recognize the phonemes of a native language, making new sounds harder to process.
99
What role does culture play in language acquisition?
Language is deeply tied to culture, influencing the sounds, vocabulary, and grammar structures a person learns.
100
Why do researchers study language acquisition?
Understanding how humans learn language helps improve education, communication, and linguistic theories.

CSET SUBTEST SPANISH I (11 decks)

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