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Language acquisition is an essential and fascinating aspect of human development. It is also one of the ability which human beings keep possession of throughout their lifespan. Through language, we are able to express our ideas and emotions in the forms of signs and symbols which refer to the written letters or articulated phonemes. These signs and symbols are used to encode and decode information shared. With that, the first language exposed and acquired by a child is known as their mother tongue, native language or first language.
Any language learned after our mother tongue or first language is established is known as second language acquisition (SLA). Second language acquisition is the process of language learning in addition to our native learning. For example, when a child who speaks mandarin as his/her native language starts learning English at school, they acquire an additional language through a formal setting outside of their home. In Malaysia, a country in which the majority of the population are bilingual, portrays the significance of the acquisition of a second language aside from our mother tongue.
How do we acquire languages? The acquisition of language process is based on research grounded theories of SLA. For instance, first and second language is interrelated in terms of language processing which is known as the Nativist theory by Noam Chomsky. It is applied through the suggestion that each individual is born with genes that allows us to learn languages naturally (Chomsky N,1965) This theory believes that everyone is born with this innate ability. Moreover, Noam Chomsky argues that there is a theoretical device in our brain known as the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) which is in charge of the learning of language and acquisition.
Besides that, the Social Interactionist theory by Lev Vygotsky also suggests that as a child, we are continuously exposed and engaged in social interactions and we tend to pick up the language accordingly through our exposure. This theory implies that children are able to learn a language out of desire to communicate with their surrounding environment and world. Thus, language is dependent upon whom we socialize with and want to communicate with as our environment has a heavy influence on how quickly and how well we learn to talk (Kuhl,2003).
In conclusion, language acquisition involves structures, rules and representation. The capacity to use language successfully requires one to acquire a range of tools including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and an extensive vocabulary. Language can also be vocalized through oral speech, written and sign language. Though it is commonly argued that children acquire language easier compared to adults, it is not impossible for one to begin learning a language at any point in time with intrinsic motivation.
These characteristics are incorporated and learned as a
subject to provide in-depth insights and understanding of language acquisition
in Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (Diploma TESL) offered by
the Centre of Education and Language, MAHSA University. Therefore, if you find
reading this article interesting and you are passionate about a career in
language education then you will find that our Diploma TESL programme is made
for you. Find out more at
https://mahsa.edu.my/faculties/Education-Language/center-for-education-and-language.php or visit is at our Saujana Putra campus to
find out more and register for our programme.
Words by: Jasmine Ratchanee Lazarus