Laura has taught at the secondary and tertiary levels for 20+ years and has a Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning.
Yes, really. There are multiple benefits to learning a second language. As someone who lives in a country where the language spoken is not my native language, I fully understand the importance of second language acquisition. And it isn't always easy, especially for adults. In this lesson, I will discuss the five stages of second language acquisition and tell you why it is necessary to go through each stage. It's kind of like learning to scoot as a baby, and then to crawl, and then to walk. To get to the end result, you have to go through all of the stages.
1. The first stage of learning a second language is called preproduction. This happens when you are just hearing the language spoken on a regular basis and are just learning the very basics. Preproduction typically lasts for a few months. When you're in this stage, your comprehension of the language is minimal. You come to understand some words and phrases and are able to nod 'yes' or 'no,' and you do a lot of drawing pictures or talking with your hands. You really and truly feel like a stranger in a strange land. But don't worry--this, too, will pass.
2. The second stage is called early production. You know how to use some words, and you can respond to yes/no and either/or questions. You might even be able to string two or three words together to make yourself understood; however, your confidence level is still pretty low, and you are in no way 'comfortable' with the language yet. This stage can last from about six months to a year.
3. The third stage in this process is called speech emergence. By this time, you can put together a few phrases, and you have pretty good comprehension, even though you might not be able to say the things you'd like to say yet. You might even have a few sentences in your arsenal. Despite this emerging language, you still make lots of pronunciation and grammar mistakes, which is really fine, because that is expected at this level. This stage lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 years (see, it really is a lengthy process).
4. Stage four is called intermediate fluency. By now, you have excellent comprehension of the language. In fact, your comprehension is still better than your speech. In addition, you're not making so many grammar mistakes anymore. It is safe to say that at this point, you can survive and get along in a place where only this language is spoken. Now for the kicker: This stage can last from 3 to 5 years!!
5. The final stage of the language acquisition process is called advanced fluency, and this takes a very, very long time to develop. Several years. At this stage, you have a nearly native understanding of the language and can speak it interchangeably with your own native language. You might even dream in this language! Well done!
Learning a second language is by no means easy, but it is well worth the trouble. There are five stages in the process that people go through to acquire a second language. The names of the processes are preproduction, early production, speech emergence, intermediate fluency, and advanced fluency. There are characteristics that are specific to each stage, and the average length of time that individuals spend in each stage can vary tremendously. Remember though--keep pushing through! It's well worth it to learn a new language!
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MTEL Adult Basic Education (55): Practice & Study Guide21 chapters | 270 lessons | 18 flashcard sets
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