Explaining Second Language Learning - Essay Example

A theory that is consistence at explain the Second Language Learning [Insert al Affiliation] Lightbown and Spada have presented several theories that are fundamental in helping us elucidate second language acquisition (L2). For this reason, it is significant for us to comprehend that all L2, irrespective of their age and social context have at present learned and acquired at least one language. In explaining this, we will consider some language theories presented by Lightbown and Spada, which concentrated on apprentices’ innate capacity while others emphasize the role of environment and social context (Lightbown, & Spada, 2012).

Besides, having the theories we also have a process that explains how one starts learning a language from the silent period to advanced fluency. After evaluating and analyzing all theories presented by Lightbown and Spada, we shall conclude which theory has consistencies.Cognitive theory is consistent because it draws how the mind can achieve second languages irrespective of the role of environment and social context. Therefore, cognitive theory has proven to be consistent than sociocultural and social interaction theories.

This is because sociocultural and social interaction theories focus on the role of environment and social context, thus making these theories be inconsistent (Lightbown, & Spada, 2012).Cognitive theory helps us understand that all second language learners, irrespective of their environment and social context have at present learned and acquired at least one language. It also elucidates that the human mind has the capability of learning anything new. Thus, it explains that human cognizance can be divided into twofold complex kinds of representation: prior knowledge and procedural knowledge (Lightbown, & Spada, 2012).

Prior knowledge represents first language acquisition that is stored in long-term memory through schemas and images, and procedural knowledge represents L2 and this indicates that the human minds have the aptitude of learning anything new successfully.So, the central fact that makes cognitive theory consistent is the ability to expound that learning begins with prior knowledge, which is slowly modified to become proceduralized knowledge (Lightbown, & Spada, 2012). This means that learners of second languages have a conscious mind with advanced fluency and competency of the first language, and this will orient their thinking and speaking toward second language acquisition.

Subsequently, cognitive theory expounds that the mind work in an information-processing model and this help human learning to achieve. For second language acquisition to be achieved cognitive theory emphasizes that learners must pay attention to any aspect of language they are being taught. Paying attention will help second language learners to use their prior knowledge to enhance their procedural knowledge hence making second language acquisition easier.For the above reasons, cognitive theory has formed my experiences as it has proven to be effective in helping me reach my student ability.

Cognitive theory has formed my experience as I have realized that there is interaction between languages and cognition. Language and cognition form interrelation through the way concepts are stored in long-term memory. Therefore, from this, I formed the experience that learners of second languages have a conscious mind with advanced fluency and competency of the first language, and this will orient their thinking, and speaking toward second language acquisition.ReferenceLightbown, P. M. & Spada, N. (2012). How Languages are Learned. (4th. Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Chapter 4 Explaining Second Language Learning (pp. 103-122)