On Learning of English as Second Language
An Exploratory Study
Language is a complicated phenomenon. It is tool of communication with a complex system. It is a remarkable achievement when a language is acquired and used properly by a learner. For the linguist Edward Sapir, language is not only vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions, sentiments, and values characteristics of a community; it also represents a fundamental expression of social identity. Sapir said: “the mere fact of a common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social solidarity of those who speak the language”. In short, language retention helps maintain feelings of cultural kinship.
LEARNING AND KNOWING A LANGUAGE:
Learning of a language is not the same thing as knowing a language. If a learner wants to master a language, he has to learn all the skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing besides knowing the element such as sound, structures and vocabulary. Some people memorize certain isolated words and make use of those here and there in a group; but this does not mean that they have mastered the language or have learnt it well.
LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND LANGUGE LEARNING
Learning a first language is something every child does successfully, in a matter of a few years and without the need for formal lessons. Learning and innateness are linked together, all human talk but no pets and plants do that, no matter how pampered, so heredity must be involved in language. But the child growing up in Japan speaks Japanese whereas same child brought up in California speak English, so the environment is also crucial. Chomsky said children learn language that is governed by highly subtle and abstract principles, and they do so without explicit instruction or any other environmental clues to the nature of such principles.... [continues]
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