Differences between L1 & L2 LearningUnit 12

Differences between L1 & L2 learning

Age - starts from birth

Learn as their cognition develops

Intrinsic motivation – need the language

in the primary school

might have developed cognitive skills

Past learning experiences might affect

Differences between L1 & L2 learningcontent & method By exposure Learn by chunks With strong

motivation via interaction

Silent period Lots of opportunities

are available Lots of praise &

encouragement People reformulate

Often taught about language items & structures

With or without motivation

Practice period Limited opportunities Vary Teachers often

simplify the language Teachers reformulate

Key concepts in the language teaching classroom

How we teach depends on age – young learners learn it like L1, exposure,

interaction & learning

Language acquisition Vs learning