Difficulties in Using Foreign/Second Language

English 803 Class Notes Story Observations 1/22/08

Difficulties in using foreign/second language  Just how difficult that task is  Size of the mental challenge  Why is it so easy to learn a first language  5 or 6 years to learn—lots of hours; time is the factor?  Children as language learners Learning processes are different This is an apple. This is a noun.—added structure to terms; might depend on method of teaching—often formalized in school Acquisition vs. learning— unconscious (unaware of the rules) vs. conscious Pressure to succeed in learning a second language/testing and prestige—meta language Age plays a key role—native language before 7? Fossilization—age as continuum Measuring our own progress Goal: communication vs. mastery Standard vs. non-standard My English—is it any better than anyone else’s?

Native language—a way to express solidarity with family/group Marginalizing of languages Mandarin/Taiwanese—not allowed in school Bilingual—punishment if speaking the wrong thing—negative reinforcement/motivation Childhood learning resonates for a lifetime Emotions having this impact

Communicative vs. grammatical accuracy Atsushi’s story—focus on grammar for exam in Japan—in US, work to communicate; quit worrying about mistakes; compliment how well you’ve learned the language

Our judgments about language use are always at play

Cultural elements attached to language --control culture through language --strip people of culture by taking away language --laws against language --language as a control mechanism Idea only exists in one language?—language tied to a concept; untranslatable due to context—variation within language Groups perceive their language based on their environment Religious connotation of language in daily expression; allah willing Time Whether or not a rule is real or correct, we think that way

Environment’s impact/construction on language

Difficulties other people have learning our native language