Factors Influencing the Second Language Acquisition
Factors influencing the learning of a second/foreign language
Some students learn a new language quickly and easily than others. This simple fact reflects the hard work and persistence of the learner. However there are other crucial factors influencing the success that are totally beyond the control of the learner. These factors can be categorized as: 1. Age: second language acquisition is influenced by the age of the learner. Many studies have found that adolescents learn more rapidly than children and adults. This explains that the age of the learner does not affect the route (way) to second language acquisition; instead it affects the rate (degree of speed) of learning.
Another impact of the age is the development of cognitive abilities with age. This explains why young children do not response to the form of the language that they are learning, while adults and adolescents do. But it could inhibit natural automatic language learning and may be responsible for the failure of adult second language learners to achieve native speaker equivalent pronunciation and intonation. 2. Personality Factors: learner’s personality may influence the second language acquisition from various dimensions. a. Self-esteem (confidence): learners who trust their ability in performing specific tasks have been found to be successful learners. b. Extroversion (sociability): extrovert people are known to be better learners, because they look for affirmation of self-esteem from others. c. Anxiety (nervousness): it has been found that anxiety may motivate the learner to try again and fight the learning task. There are two types of anxiety: facilitative (the learner repeats his attempt at a given task), and debilitative (it inhibits the learner since it motivates him to avoid the new learning task). d. Risk-taking (adventuresome): it motivates the learner to try new things, so it is behind a successful language learner. e. Empathy (understanding): it means
Some students learn a new language quickly and easily than others. This simple fact reflects the hard work and persistence of the learner. However there are other crucial factors influencing the success that are totally beyond the control of the learner. These factors can be categorized as: 1. Age: second language acquisition is influenced by the age of the learner. Many studies have found that adolescents learn more rapidly than children and adults. This explains that the age of the learner does not affect the route (way) to second language acquisition; instead it affects the rate (degree of speed) of learning.
Another impact of the age is the development of cognitive abilities with age. This explains why young children do not response to the form of the language that they are learning, while adults and adolescents do. But it could inhibit natural automatic language learning and may be responsible for the failure of adult second language learners to achieve native speaker equivalent pronunciation and intonation. 2. Personality Factors: learner’s personality may influence the second language acquisition from various dimensions. a. Self-esteem (confidence): learners who trust their ability in performing specific tasks have been found to be successful learners. b. Extroversion (sociability): extrovert people are known to be better learners, because they look for affirmation of self-esteem from others. c. Anxiety (nervousness): it has been found that anxiety may motivate the learner to try again and fight the learning task. There are two types of anxiety: facilitative (the learner repeats his attempt at a given task), and debilitative (it inhibits the learner since it motivates him to avoid the new learning task). d. Risk-taking (adventuresome): it motivates the learner to try new things, so it is behind a successful language learner. e. Empathy (understanding): it means