Essay On Second Language Acquisition

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Introduction

It is agreed that knowledge on second language acquisition (SLA) does contribute to a better and effective second language (L2) teaching. However, the main question on how a teacher’s knowledge on SLA can enhance or improve his or her teaching remains debatable as there are no theories, approaches or methods that will fit perfectly in all teaching situations. SLA is “multifaceted by nature” and no single theory will be able to explain how it happens (Ellis, 1989, as cited in Vanpatten & Cadierno, 1993, p. 45). Thus, for an L2 teaching to be effective, a teacher must not simply adopt any theories, approaches or methods available but, he or she must be able to adapt the knowledge to ensure the students gain the most from his or her teaching.

This essay will discuss two prominent theories in SLA, mainly, the Input Hypothesis and the Comprehensible Output Hypothesis and in what ways having knowledge of these theories contribute to an effective teaching of L2 in a classroom context.

Effective Second Language Teaching

Teaching and learning are closely connected, so are language acquisition and language teaching (Liyong, 2006). Ellis (1994, as cited in Liyong, 2006) claims that L2 teaching in the L2 classroom will increase L2 acquisition. However, students will never learn everything that the teacher wants them to learn. They may notice certain things and disregard other things. Even if they are paying attention to some things that are of interest to them, it does not guarantee that they are learning or remembering them. Similarly, in terms of L2 teaching, it is impossible for a teacher to teach everything about a target language in a classroom setting and even if the teacher manage to teach everything, it is alm...

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