Unit 12

Differences between L1 and L2 learning

There is a big difference between learning L1 than L2, we start learning our first language since we are babies and all our lives, rather than L2 we start learning at school but that is not enough to acquire the language. It is obvious that we are exposure and we need to use L1 everyday but in L2 we do not have any motivation to start or continue learning and acquiring the language, especially out of the school, collage, or university. But one of the most important things is that we as learners are always corrected by teacher and we are frightened at the time to talk, we tend to no use L2 for fear to make mistakes.

As teachers we have to build a strong confidence with learners to let them talk in a free way without thinking in errors; motivate learners to use the language inside and outside the class; expose the language to learners by using recordings, readings and videos , activities that encourage them the use of the language. Praising learner can be very motivating, and always said learner how well they are doing.

Here is a slideshare link to see the differences between L1 and L2

http://es.slideshare.net/jalomi112/l1-and-l2-acquisition

For further information see:

• Homepage.ntlworld.com, (2014). Comparing First and Second Language Acquisition by Vivian Cook. [online] Available at: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/SLA/L1%20and%20L2.htm [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].
• Jamaica., T. (2014). The Similarities and Differences between L1 and L2 acquisition and the Significance for Second Language Pedagogy in Jamaica.. [online] Academia.edu. Available at: http://www.academia.edu/5208843/The_Similarities_and_Differences_between_L1_and_L2_acquisition_and_the_Significance_for_Second_Language_Pedagogy_in_Jamaica [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].