Essay from the year 2005 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, grade: A, University of Brighton (School of Languages), course: Grammar & Communication, 5 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: The first attempts of teaching a foreign language were derived from teaching Latin in the sixteenth to eighteenth century. After the decline of Latin as a living language, the main teaching aim was to read and understand historic Latin writings. This situation led to teaching grammar and vocabulary through rote learning. The study of Latin grammar was known to encourage intellectual abilities. Applied to teaching methods in the nineteenth century the Grammar-Translation Method emerged. Since the eighteenth century, foreign language teaching has increased in importance. As modern languages conquer the school schedules in Europe the lessons were based on experience of teaching Latin and the same method was used to teach modern languages. Oral speaking abilities were just used to read aloud the translation they had dealt with. The main exercise was translation from foreign language into mother tongue with the objective to comprehend and learn the different grammar structure between these languages. The Grammar-Translation method became the traditional teaching method from the nineteenth century onwards.
Essay from the year 2005 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, grade: A, University of Brighton (School of Languages), course: Grammar & Communication, 5 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: ...
This project grew out of author Virginia Gonzalez's experiences as an international graduate student in the United States and her vested interest in mentoring international students and conducting ESL research. In Second Language Learning, Professor Gonzalez argues that there is a growing need for American educators who can better serve a diverse international student body. This book focuses on the major factors affecting international graduate students' successful cultural adaptation, which leads to higher levels of academic English language proficiency and academic achievement. Topics are discussed from a psychological viewpoint of the effects of social, cultural, cognitive, and linguistic factors on the adaptation process to a new social and academic environment: the American college culture. The book presents data-based and personal recommendations for international graduate students, administrators, and faculty at U.S. universities. Practical strategies recommended for helping international graduate students achieve a successful adaptation to the new academic and social environment are supported by literature, real-life examples, and group data derived from a survey research study representing students from different countries of origin, in different academic disciplines, and at different stages in their graduate studies.
Perspectives (Toronto, Canada: Pergamon Press, 1985), 145-168; J. H.
Schumann, "Social Distance as a Factor in Second Language Acquisition, "
Language Learning 26 (197 5): 135-143; J. H. Schumann, "Second Language
Acquisition: ...
Seminar paper from the year 2006 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, grade: 2-3, University of Kassel, 15 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: The way of teaching a Second Language is still subject of research and discussion today. Current studies on L2 teaching methodologies show the necessity of investigation. Long time, L2 teaching methodolgies were closely related to theories on L2 learning or Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Those theories became the most popular in World War II and the behaviouristic approach of the 1950's and 60's was influential and leading during a long period following. That is why this paper concentrates on the behaviouristic approach, considering B.F. Skinner especially. As other researchers found this approach insufficient, various studies have been initiated. They tried to find evidence for opposite theories or they enlarged and/or changed behaviourists views. The behaviourist approach still has some influence on L2 teaching today. However, modern investigations made clear that there is a need for distinction between L2 learning theories and teaching methodologies.
They found that the American entry into World War II was an initial starting point
for L2 learning in America because of the language learning programmes, which
were established in 1942. These programmes were designed to enable the
military personnel to speak languages like German, French, Italian, etc. fluently.
As the background of teaching a second language was a military one, there is no
need to figure out reasons for drill methods. Language learning was
characterized by ...
Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,0, University of Erfurt (Philosophische Fakultat - Fachbereich Anglistik), course: Second Language Acquisition, language: English, abstract: 'A tree must be bent while it is young.' (Proverb) Proverbs usually have an element of truth. The German speakers will certainly also know the German equivalent 'Was Hanschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr.' Do these proverbs also apply to the acquisition of a second language? Are young learners trees that 'must be bent' before they are too old to reach a certain language proficiency? In first and second language research, the concept of a 'critical period' respectively of a 'sensitive period' was developed to explain probable advantages of children in the process of language acquisition. The aim of this term paper is to find out whether there is a sensitive period for second language learning and to explore possible explanatory approaches. Within this research, the 'Critical Period Hypothesis' (CPH) represents the major focus. According to this hypothesis, "there is a period during which language acquisition is easy and complete (i.e. native-speaker ability is achieved) and beyond which it is difficult and typically incomplete" (ELLIS, 1997: 67). This means, it is assumed that language learners must begin at an early age to learn a language in order to reach native-like proficiency. Generally, empirical data from course books, handbook articles and journal articles as well as commentaries by different authors are used in order to follow the research question up. First, a framework concerning the origins of the idea of a sensitive period from first language acquisition, and the clarification of particular terms will be created. Then, the distinction between possible advantages of young learners in natural as well as instructional settings will be of interest. The findings on a critical or sensitive period have a
The onset is either defined by the beginning of primary language acquisition or
by points when there is a characteristic acceleration in linguistic development,
depending on the author cited. Then, the peak of this optimal period for second ...
