Linguistics is the systematic study of human languages. It involves the description and analysis of the various aspects of a language; these aspects include pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology, phonology, discourse and other language acquisition concerns.
Challenge your thoughts: How may linguistics help language teachers provide opportunities for second language acquisition? Let your thougths be heard. Cite a theory of SLA to back up your contention.
Linguistics provides a ladder for language teachers to provide opportunities for second language acquisition. The teacher may use or refer to different theories of SLA. Learning a second language is not just reading a pocketbook wherein you read the story and extract its meaning and that’s it! You got the message!
Language acquisition involves a process. A L2 learner may manifest different symptoms in acquiring the language. Various theories may applied here. One of the most effective and fine theories is the MONITOR MODEL by Stephen Krashen.
The monitor model has five components. These are the following:
The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
This hypothesis actually fuses two fundamental theories of how individuals learn languages. Krashen has concluded that there are two systems of language acquisition that are independent but related: the acquired system and the learned system.
1. The acquired system relates to the unconscious aspect of language acquisition. When people learn their first language by speaking the language naturally in daily interaction with others who speak their native language, this acquired system is at work. In this system, speakers are less concerned with the structure of their utterances than with the act of communicating meaning. Krashen privileges the acquired system over the learned system.
2. The learned system relates to formal instruction where students engage in formal study to acquire knowledge about the target language. For example, studying the rules of syntax is part of the learned system.
The Monitor Hypothesis
The monitor hypothesis seeks to explain how the acquired system is affected by the learned system. Before the learner produces an utterance, he or she internally scans it for errors, and uses the learned system to make corrections. Self-correction occurs when the learner uses the Monitor to correct a sentence after it is uttered. According to the hypothesis, such self-monitoring and self-correction are the only functions of conscious language learning.
The Natural Order Hypothesis
This hypothesis argues that there is a natural order to the way second language learners acquire their target language. Research suggests that this natural order seems to transcend age, the learner’s native language, the target language, and the conditions under which the second language is being learned. The learner learns first from the basics of the language to the most complex parts.
The Input Hypothesis
This hypothesis seeks to explain how second languages are acquired. In its most basic form, the input hypothesis argues that learners progress along the natural order only when they encounter second language input that is one step beyond where they are in the natural order. Therefore, if a learner is at step one from the above list, they will only proceed along the natural order when they encounter input that is at the second step.
The Affective Filter Hypothesis
This hypothesis describes external factors that can act as a filter that impedes acquisition. These factors include motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety. For example, if a learner has very low motivation, very low self-confidence, and a high level of anxiety, the affective filter comes into place and inhibits the learner from acquiring the new language. Students who are motivated, confident, and relaxed about learning the target language have much more success acquiring a second language than those who are trying to learn with the affective filter in place.
This theory seeks to quantify how and by what processes individuals acquire a second language. By this theory, linguistics can provide a wide understanding on how a second language is being acquired.
By: Ericson Cabrera on August 28, 2008
at 9:40 am
For language teachers, there are two aspects of theory that are essential, theory of pedagogy (how to teach, essential to all teachers) and theory of content (in this case, linguistics, including second language acquisition). Over time, with experience, these two bodies of knowledge should merge into what Shulman has called “content pedagogical knowledge” (knowing how to teach what you know about your field).
By: charo ann del mundo on August 28, 2008
at 10:14 am
Every utterance actually contain lot of contents. Every language being used actually possessed their own structure, sound system and convey different meanings in every contextual situation it has. Language teachers were actually faced on a big challenge on how to teach second language acquisition among L2 learners. One aspect of English study may help us face this challenge and this is LINGUISTICS.
Linguistics really help language teachers in SLA because it actually help them to understand the real essence of an utterance and how its meaning was affected due to different factors and systems of language. If you will have to study about SLA, you’ve got to have a prior knowledge about the different aspects of language first in order to acquire and understand easily what is being taught and studied in Second Language Teaching. Many theories were actually presented by different linguists in order to understand further the process of second language acquisition. One of the very known theory in SLA is The Monitor Model Theory by Stephen Krashen. Language teachers will be able to explain the SLA process further with the help of this theory. It actually explains how a person process the information in order to understand and acquire the second language he/she wants to learn. The Five hypotheses presented explained further how language acquisition takes place. It give us enough information in order for us to explain it to the L2 learners on how SLA takes place.
Linguistics really help language teachers for it help them to explain the SLA process to their students in easy and much informative way. SLA involves all of the aspects of language and this is under linguistics. They often say “You cannot give what you don’t have”. If you are a language teacher and you wish to teach SLA, how can you teach in a productive manner if you don’t have much knowledge with the language sytem? And that’s were LINGUISTICS comes in. Linguistics is not just a simple course rather an important content which every language teacher ought to know.
–Kassey Leanne V. Ramos–
BEEd IIIA-Gen.Ed.
By: Kassey Leanne Ramos on August 28, 2008
at 12:50 pm
This will help the teacher to expedite the teaching of language more effectively because he/she has the knowledge of the factors about how L2 can be acquired and learnt. Linguistics has been giving information on how an L2 learner can adjust to the various aspects of a language. As she teach language, the teacher practices the concepts of linguistics. One of the theories that can be observed in the classroom is the Monitor Theory or Model. The teacher monitors the communicative competence of his students as they speak or utter words using the target language. This makes the students be aware of the syntax of their input before they utter it. As the teacher practices this theory or model, the students will then be natural to them to speak their utterances efficiently. As long as the teacher provides sets of drill and practice programs, the students will able to maximize their competence in speaking the language.
By: marieal payumo on August 28, 2008
at 2:04 pm
Linguistics is spoken or signed language as a teacher you can learned as we acquire a language by teaching through linguistics as a teacher given a opportunities to learn language through that you can create a proper phrase, proper use of grammar language and the diff.rules in language through that you cannot hesitate to face your students queries because you have known or knowledge about linguistics as SLA. As Monitor Model describe how LAD acquired knowledge and what was the out put of the learner how they monitor within the context how they learn it and how affective is it and the comprehensive input of the learner.
By: Sabrina Sapphire Mesina on August 28, 2008
at 2:18 pm
Practice does not make perfect:This does not mean that practice, broadly defined, is not an essential part of language learning!I was thinking of practice as it was often defined in audio-lingual classrooms – pattern practice and drill in isolation from meaningful language use. Knowing a language rule does not mean one will be able to use it in communicative interaction. And so how do teachers helped them? not all linguists teachers can 100% transfer their skills in second language acqisition..Motivation plays a significant role in the process of learning a second language. Language teachers cannot effectively teach a language if they do not understand the relationship between motivation and its effect on second language acquisition. The core of motivation is what might be called passion. Passion, which relates to a person’s goals and desires, is intrinsic. Successful learners know their preferences, their strengths and weaknesses, and effectively utilize strengths and compensate for weaknesses. Successful language learning is linked to the learner’s passion. Instructors should find ways to connect to this passion.
Learners need quality instruction, input, interaction, and opportunities for meaningful output, not only to make progress, but also to maintain motivation for language learning. What a good teacher must do, then, is not only tap into the sources of intrinsic motivation, but also find ways to connect intrinsic motivation with external motivational factors which can be brought to a classroom setting. This is especially significant when English is not seen as important to the students’ immediate needs,
Since learners have different purposes for studying a language, it is important for instructors to identify the purposes and the needs of the students and develop proper motivational strategies. Students should understand why they need to make an effort, how long they must sustain an activity, how hard they should pursue it, and how motivated they feel towards their pursuits. Motivation fluctuates. It is very challenging to keep language learners’ motivation at a high level all the time.
…Language teachers considers as leaner at this point…and linguistics considers teahers. Thus, as mentioned above they have to consider those views in helping individual acquire SLA.
Sr. Lorna Ablog, OP.
BSED – ENG. 3
By: sr.lorna ablog,op. on August 29, 2008
at 2:53 am
Linguistics is a very big help for every teacher. in Linguistics, we learn the different meaning of every utterances, the different concepts and aspects of acquiring the second language and how to effectively learn and acquire the second language.
One theory that teacher could use to her students is The Monitor Model because in this theory the teacher could let her student speak in his/her target language. In this way, the student could just learn their mistakes naturally.
This will help them not only to be more competent but also to be more confident to speak in their target language.
By: Ma. Nerissa S. Laluan on August 29, 2008
at 6:10 am
A teacher’s knowledge of SLA helps them to plan teaching activities that are appropriate for the learners in front of them. Awareness of interlanguage stages helps teachers anticipate certain difficulties learners might encounter and aids teachers in appropriate error correction. Developments in SLA also often suggest new teaching activities to try out.
Without some basis in linguistics and SLA teacher’s would be limited to being technicians and using cute recipes with no understanding of whether or not they are appropriate and effective, or just entertaining.That teachers must have an understanding of the principles underlying language as a formal system in social use is essential. To quote Grabe et al, “A teacher who does not understand these fundamental principles will not be able to engage students in ways that can lead to student autonomy, empowerment, and reflective awareness of their learning. Teachers who comprehend the role of language form in learning will be able, in contrast, to demystify the learning and evaluation process at cognitive and social levels.”
Teachers teaching is constantly being informed and improved by developments in the theoretical fields of SLA and Linguistics. Teachers should make pedagogically sound and informed decisions and they can’t do that if they don’t have a theoretical knowledge base. According to an example I read, it is an understanding of vocabulary acquisition that has convinced a teacher that fill-in the blank exercises or crossword puzzles are minimally effective vocabulary activities. Therefore, that would serve as a basis that Teacher should come up with a more complex activity that would benefit students more in acquiring the second language and not just giving the a mere fill-in the blanks exercises.
By: Rose Anne Fajardo on August 29, 2008
at 6:11 am
Learning linguistics helps a teacher to have a wide knowledge about acquiaring a second language. It will be easy for a teacher to understand or teach their student if the teachers them selves understand the formation of the words of the language that they were using.
Also in teaching SLA, linguistics plays an important role. A teacher will not be able to give the real essence of a certain utterance if she doesn’t have a background of linguistics.
By: Razon, Jomarie M. on August 29, 2008
at 6:15 am
An understanding of second language acquisition can improve the ability of teachers to serve the culturally and linguistically diverse students in their classrooms. Linguistics provide body of knowledge and skills that you can weave together with threads from literacy, literature and education courses.
A concept endorsed by most language acquisition theorists is Stephen Krashen’s “comprehensible input” hypothesis, which suggests that learners acquire language by “intaking” and understanding language that is a “little beyond” their current level of competence (Krashen, 1981, p. 103). The teacher can provide an appropriate linguistic and cognitive challenge— offering new information that builds off prior knowledge and is therefore comprehensible (Sowers, 2000). Providing consistent, comprehensible input requires a constant familiarity with the ability level of students in order to provide a level of “input” that is just beyond their current level.
Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis is another concept that has found wide acceptance with both researchers and ELL instructors (Krashen, 1981; Krashen & Terrell, 1983). This theory suggests that an individual’s emotions can directly interfere or assist in the learning of a new language.
Understanding these theories can help teachers develop appropriate instructional strategies and assessments.A basic knowledge of language acquisition theories is useful for teachers and directly influences their ability to provide appropriate content-area instruction to ELL students.
By: Lady Jane Henson on August 29, 2008
at 6:17 am
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. The ultimate goal of the linguist is to try to discover the universals concerning language. And that is, what are the common elements of all languages. They then try to place these elements in a theoretical framework that will describe all languages. Linguistics has several different disciplines within linguistics. The fields of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and language acquisition are considered as the core fields of the study.
Linguistics will helps the teacher of language to have a more interactive and meaningful way of learning. Linguistics also help language teachers in learning and absorbing SLA ( Second Language Acquisiton). SLA has several theories,but for me the most effective is the Natural Order Hypothesis which is one of the hypothesis of Monitor Model proposed by Stephen Krashen. This hypothesis states that grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order: “there is a fairly stable order of acquisition of structures in language acquisition, that is, one can see clear similarities across acquirers as to which structures tend to be acquired early and which tend to be acquired late”. This natural order of acquisition is the same for learners whose exposure to the target language took place almost always outside language classes and those whose target language experience was primarily in the classroom. Moreover, the natural order of acquisition is the corollary of the acquired system, which functions free of the Monitor.
By: Cabrera,Jedd G. on August 29, 2008
at 6:25 am
There’s a lot of things that we can consider in learning the Linguistics. And honestly, as the 1st timer in this subject I got bored & some og the terms I don’t understand.
But as we go throuhg it, I was able to see and understand its importance to us, especially me, as a future teacher. & also it helps me to correct some mistakes as a L2 learner & as a future L2 teacher.
Especially me, I’m taking up English major, so it is very important for us to learn this subject. And not also us, other people might learn this since English is widely used language.
So, leArn from it. & I know it will gained.
By: Irish Mae Tengco on August 29, 2008
at 7:39 am
The teacher may use or study the different SLA. Studying language acquisition it helps the teacher to know more about SLA. Language acquisition involves process. If the teacher knows the SLA they will teach their students clearly and much informative way. Studying SLA it was so difficult so you must study hard, and then if you going to teach it is easy to you to discuss. Knowing language acquisition and gaining knowledge it is good to the teacher, to share your knowledge to your students it was so good. Each of everyone we need to know what SLA means to us. SLA to us it was so important. One of the very known theory in SLA is The Monitor Model Theory by Stephen Krashen. Language teachers will be able to explain the SLA process further with the help of this theory.
By: Ramos, Precious Danica M. EDUC II-B on August 29, 2008
at 7:45 am
The monitor hypothesis is inclined how the acquired system is affected by the learned system. Before the learner express an utterance he or she brodely analizing it for errors, and uses the learned system to make corrections. Self-correction occurs when the learner uses the Monitor to correct a sentence after it is uttered to somebody. According to the hypothesis such self-monitoring and self-correction are the only functions of conscious language learning.
By: Marjorie Guma on August 29, 2008
at 8:59 am
All language teachers need to acquire all theories. to provides the teacher a knowledge to the aspect of teching the language. Through these we can utter proper grammar and structure of the SL2.one of the theory that can be used is:
Monitor Theory
The monitor hypothesis asserts that a learner’s learned system acts as a monitor to what they are producing. In other words, while only the acquired system is able to produce spontaneous speech , the learned system is used to check what is being spoken.
Before the learner produces an utterance, he internally scans it for errors, and uses the learned system to make corrections. Self-correction occurs when the learner uses the Monitor to correct a sentence after it is uttered.
According to it, such self-monitoring and self-correction are the only functions of conscious language learning.
By: canto, laiza c. on August 29, 2008
at 9:18 am
Linguistics may help teachers to help express and ESL teachers better understand how and why the English language works, and to broaden their abilities to help their students learn about the various functions of English in our real world setting. It is not a complete curriculum in English linguistics, but rather, a foundation from which teachers can continue to grow and to teach with greater confidence. The reader-friendly, conversational style makes the concepts easily accessible to preservice and in-service teachers who have little or no previous experience in language study
By: Al;fonso Jeffrey O. on August 29, 2008
at 11:03 am
Linguistics may help teachers to help express and ESL teachers better understand how and why the English language works, and to broaden their abilities to help their students learn about the various functions of English in our real world setting.
By: Al;fonso Jeffrey O. of Beed-3A on August 29, 2008
at 11:20 am
Aside from that linguistics It is not a complete curriculum , but rather, a foundation from which teachers can continue to grow and to teach with greater confidence. The reader-friendly, conversational style makes the concepts easily accessible to preservice and in-service teachers who have little or no previous experience in language study.
By: Jeffrey O. Alfonso Beed-3A on August 29, 2008
at 11:24 am
For me Linguistics is very important to the Teachers because it was designed to know or to better understand how and why the English language works, and to broaden their abilities to help their students learn about the various functions of English in the real world. It is not a complete curriculum in English linguistics, but rather, a foundation from which teachers can continue to grow and to teach with greater confidence. The reader-friendly, conversational style makes the concepts easily accessible to preservice and in-service teachers who have little or no previous experience in language study.
By: Jeffrey O. Alfonso Beed-3A on August 29, 2008
at 11:27 am
L2 learners undergo various methodologies before they can actually familiarize their target language. They must first go through a step by step process in order to achieve their goal. They must have enough knowledge about the target language for them to learn and acquire it as well.
Second language learning is no joke. It is not merely cultivating one’s thoughts after reading an article, and it is not only about uttering a statement either. It is observed in a broader sense. That is why there is Linguistics.
Linguistics discusses everything that involves language. It serves as a guideline for both the teachers and the L2 learners in making second language learning more comprehensive. It gives the teachers some patterns which they may use for measuring their students’ competence. Students may also find it more easy to learn their target language because of the numerous hypotheses, theories, and approaches linguistics proposes.
One of the most practical theories and hypotheses which teachers may apply is the Natural Order Hypothesis of Tracy Terell and Stephen Krashen. This hypothesis states that Language learning will be more effective if the L2 learners will first study the simple ideas regarding the target language and then focusing on the complex ones. It is like learning the basics first and then the average ones until the difficult becomes not that hard.
Linguistics provides both the teachers and the L2 learners a clearer view about second language learning. It makes the learning process faster and easier. It helps the L2 learners in accomplishing every methods and moving on to the next L2 tasks and later to becoming an effective L2 speaker.
By: Chelsea Ann Garcia on August 29, 2008
at 12:18 pm
Every teacher is a language teacher. This quote can definitely describe how linguistics helps every teacher provide opportunities to every student who wants to acquire a second language.
Teachers serve as the role model to students, they are influential enough to affect every aspect of learning and one of it is Language.
One SLA theory is the Universal Hypothesis.
This hypothesis states that language acquisition is greatly dependent upon a linguistic faculty, which Chomsky termed as the Language Acquisition Device (LAD). The LAD is thought to be innate to all human beings, placed somewhere in the brain, and consisting of linguistic universals. its existence enables a child to acquire the grammar of language to which he/she is exposed, and understand the input he/she receives.
So basically if the teachers speak the language in a wrong manner the student might imitate because he/she thinks it right. This Hypothesis tells that if a Second Language Learner is exposed in an inappropriate Language Environment the Language learning will be low.
Every teacher holds the responsibility of being a language teacher.
By: Mar John M. Guiral on August 29, 2008
at 5:27 pm
Linguistics help language teachers to provide apportunities to acquire second language acquisition because language teachers are the one responsible in teaching and improving one’s language. Actually, the ability to acquire and use the language is innate to us as human. When we utter something there is a language being formed because that utterance has its internal structure, physical appearance, sounds,the way on how we combine words to form a sentence and on how we uttered that language.Without the linguistic the teacher cannot teach the language in a right way.
In the discourse theory it was stated there that second language acquisition was acquired in a natural way from simple sentences the learner can convey simple ideas and elaborate it. The development of the communicative competence of a child or the learner will increase. And the learner’s interlanguage will also be develope. And when the teacher is teaching the emphasis should be put on oral interaction so that the acquisition of SLA will always in process and continuous.
By: Yumul, Camille S. on August 30, 2008
at 5:23 am
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, encompassing a number of sub-fields. An important topical division is between the study of language structure (grammar) and the study of meaning (semantics). Grammar encompasses morphology (the formation and composition of words), syntax (the rules that determine how words combine into phrases and sentences) and phonology (the study of sound systems and abstract sound units). Phonetics is a related branch of linguistics concerned with the actual properties of speech sounds (phones), non-speech sounds, and how they are produced and perceived. Lingustics helps the language teachers provide opportunities for second language acquisition by applying the different theories of linguistics. Stephen Krashen formulated a theory “The Natural Approach Theory” where in he highlighted the five hypotheses. The acquisition/learning hypothesis-Language acquisition (an unconscious process developed through using language meaningfully) is different from language learning (consciously learning or discovering rules about a language) and language acquisition is the only way competence in a second language occurs. The monitor hypothesis-Conscious learning operates only as a monitor or editor that checks or repairs the output of what has been acquired. The natural order hypothesis-Grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order and it does little good to try to learn them in another order. The input hypothesis-People acquire language best from messages that are just slightly beyond their current competence. The affective filter hypothesis-The learner’s emotional state can act as a filter that impedes or blocks input necessary to acquisition. This theory is designed to help beginners become intermediate and to depend on learner needs.
By: Anna Lyn A. Dela Torre on August 30, 2008
at 8:43 am
I would like to make apology, if i did not submit due in time it is in the fact that I was not informed immediately, indeed of that I want to voice out my thought regarding linguistics.
As a teacher we are not study just to get a high grade in any subject but we study to learn a lot of strategies that make us an effective teacher. Also we study for us to expand our knowledge, likewise in linguistic we study this fields it is because to make mastered regarding language and its form, we as an elementary teacher must not make any mistakes in teaching language cause one it uttered it will retain to the mind o the students. So linguistics make us familiar in studying variation of language. So as a recap,
Linguistics concerns itself with describing and explaining the nature of human language. Relevant to this are the questions of what is universal to language, how language can vary, and how human beings come to know languages.It endeavors to answer the question–what is language and how is represented in the mind? Linguists focus on describing and explaining language and are not concerned with the prescriptive rules of the language (ie., do not split infinitives). Linguists are not required to know many languages and linguists are not interpreters.
The underlying goal of the linguist is to try to discover the universals concerning language. That is, what are the common elements of all languages. The linguist then tries to place these elements in a theoretical framework that will describe all languages and also predict what can not occur in a language.
Linguistics is a social science that shares common ground with other social sciences such as psychology, anthropology, sociology and archaeology. It also may influence other disciplines such as English, communication studies and computer science. Linguistics for the most part though can be considered a cognitive science. Along with psychology, philosophy and computer science (AI), linguistics is ultimately concerned with how the human brain functions.
Language acquisition examines how children learn to speak and how adults learn a second language. Language acquisition is very important because it gives us insight in the underlying processes of language. There are two components which contribute to language acquisition. The innate knowledge of the learner (called Universal Grammar or UG) and the environment. The notion of UG has broad implications. It suggests that all languages operate within the same framework and the understanding of this framework would contribute greatly to the understanding of what language is.
By: Alvin T. Gozun. on August 31, 2008
at 9:26 am
Linguistics is the SYSTEMATIZED study of human languages. the word systamatized implies one thing; ” process” and process is actually a particular course of action intended to achieve a results. With the given meanings of the different terms which signify the word linguistics we could foretake that linguistics is essential in teaching second language because random phase of teaching language would not cater the students learning.
more so, Linguistics has a significant effect in SLA because most of the learners depend on the explicit teaching (grammar). To support this idea, we have the Universal Grammar theory which is a theory of linguistics postulating principles of grammar shared by all languages, thought to be innate to humans set of rules intended to explain language acquisition in child development, and a key question about the relationship of Universal Grammar and Second language acquisition is : the language acquisition device (LAD). The learners increasingly depended on explicit teaching. in other words, although all of language may be governed by UG, older learners might have great difficulty in gaining acess to teh target language’s underlying rules from positive input alone.
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By: Soriano, Danica B. on September 1, 2008
at 2:39 am
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, encompassing a number of sub-fields. An important topical division is between the study of language structure (grammar) and the study of meaning (semantics). Grammar encompasses morphology (the formation and composition of words), syntax (the rules that determine how words combine into phrases and sentences) and phonology (the study of sound systems and abstract sound units). Phonetics is a related branch of linguistics concerned with the actual properties of speech sounds (phones), non-speech sounds, and how they are produced and perceived. Lingustics helps the language teachers provide opportunities for second language acquisition by applying the different theories of linguistics. Psycho-Linguistic Theory implies that Language is a product of reasoning and therefore accessible to general, rational analysis, in analogy to other cognitive functions. Cognitive linguistics can be seen as the modern instantiation of this view, regarding language-bound functionality of the brain as incorporated and inextricably linked with other functions of the brain and being a learned ability, biologically / genetically based only on general-purpose “reasoning-mechanisms” of the brain. Applied in communication science this theory a.o. Means that a particular use of language in messages has more or less persuasive power depending on the value system, the effort and the motivation of receivers. (Chomsky, Piaget, Vygotsky).
By: Dela Torre, Anna Lyn A. on September 1, 2008
at 3:30 am