Easifying second language learning

1981 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Cohen ◽  
Edna Aphek
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Conscious Attention

Recent research has focused increasingly on the good language learner (Rubin 1975; Naiman, Frohlich, and Stern 1978; Wesche 1977; Hosenfeld, 1976; Bialystok and Frohlich 1977a, 1977b; Cohen and Robbins 1976; Cohen 1977). A distinction that has gained currency is that between acquiring a second language and the conscious learning of the language through what Krashen (1977) refers to as “monitoring.” The studies reported in this paper concentrate on the identification of successful learning strategies—strategies that could actually be taught to language learners to help them maximize the benefits of conscious language learning. It is not very clear which behaviors actually promote success. Learners themselves may not pay conscious attention to what they do. In order to identify strategies, therefore, we must focus our attention on basic aspects of the language learning process and also on the interaction between the learner and the teacher.

scholarly journals GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THEIR STRATEGIES: AN INSIGHT

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumaresen Mahalingam ◽  
Melor Md. Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Language Ability ◽  
Language Learning Strategies

The Malaysian Education Blueprint is aimed to ensure every child is proficient in English Language besides Bahasa Malaysia. Thus the English Language syllabus is geared to mould learners to become successful language learners. However, not all learners are capable of being successful language learners despite years of schooling. Therefore, this study aims to investigate language learning strategies used by good language learners in learning English as their second language. To achieve the aim of the study, a questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. 30 pupils with good language ability from a rural primary school in Sabah were selected to participate in this study. The findings of the study indicated that different language learners prefer different learning strategies to improve their second language learning.  The learning strategies also vary based on the language skills they are learning. The findings of the study are hoped to provide significant impact to the pupils, teachers and curriculum planners to integrate language learning strategies in teaching and learning to assist successful language learning.

scholarly journals Language Learning and Learner Psychology: Building Autonomy in Multilingual Culture

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Ramadhan Mahendra ◽  
Sulis Triyono
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Social Culture ◽  
English As Second Language ◽  
Specific Language ◽  
Library Research

The notion of autonomous learning used in second language learning has become a focal point of scholars in recent years. However, building an autonomy in specific language learners might be different in the view of psychology within multilingual culture which raised interesting issues. However, learners’ psychology determines about how far they must learn the second language. In addition, the multilingual culture has important role as variable but in an abstract way. It appears that in some languages learners who had multilingual culture backgrounds have different situation in comprehending the English, which also affect in choosing suitable learning strategies to comprehend by their own. Therefore, this research addresses to find out the interrelation in case of building leaner autonomy on English as second language learning in the aspect of multilingual culture in Indonesia. Trough library research, the author found the correlation between learners’ psychological condition such as interest, needs and motivation has some impact on how successful in their own language learning within the multilingual culture as it background. Therefore, building autonomy in second language learning must be aware of multilingual and social culture in society to reap a good result.

scholarly journals Language Learning Strategies Use and Challenges Faced by Adult Arab Learners of Finnish as a Second Language in Finland

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H. Naif ◽  
Noor Saazai Mat Saad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Essential Requirement ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
Analyse Data

Adult Arab learners of Finnish as second language (FSL) often encounter communication difficulty when dealing with official documents. They also cannot help their children in their school homework. FSL proficiency is an essential requirement to get an employment and to obtain the Finnish citizenship. The aim of this paper is to explore the use of the language learning strategies by a number of adult Arabs learning FSL in Finland. In addition to issues and difficulties related to the learning process encountered by this category of learners. Oxford’s Strategy Inventory for language learning was used for the purpose of data collection and SPSS programme was employed to analyse data collected from the questionnaire, however, interview data were analysed manually. 30 (20 male and 10 female) adult Arab FSL learners taking beginning level course in Finnish at Helsinki School for Adult Learners participated in the current study. The results showed that adult Arab learners of Finnish used the language learning strategies at medium level with the average of (m=3.25). The results also showed a number of challenges that impede their second language learning process like the low literacy level of the learners, lack of communication with the Finnish society, and difficulties in reading and writing in Finnish.

Focused Tasks, Mental Actions and Second Language Learning. Cognitive and Connectionist Accounts of Task Effectiveness

2006 ◽  
Vol 152 ◽  
pp. 35-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Machteld Moonen ◽  
Rick de Graaff ◽  
Gerard Westhoff
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depth Of Processing ◽  
Mental Actions ◽  
Involvement Load Hypothesis

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical framework to estimate the effectiveness of second language tasks in which the focus is on the acquisition of new linguistic items, such as vocabulary or grammar, the so-called focused tasks (R. Ellis, 2003). What accounts for the learning impact offocused tasks? We shall argue that the task-based approach (e.g. Skehan, 1998, Robinson, 2001) does not provide an in-depth account of how cognitive processes, elicited by a task, foster the acquisition of new linguistic elements. We shall then review the typologies of cognitive processes derived from research on learning strategies (Chamot & O'Malley, 1994), from the involvement load hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001), from the depth of processing hypothesis (Craik & Lockhart, 1972) and from connectionism (e.g Broeder & Plunkett, 1997; N. Ellis, 2003). The combined insights of these typologies form the basis of the multi-feature hypothesis, which predicts that retention and ease of activation of new linguistic items are improved by mental actions which involve a wide variety of different features, simultaneously and frequently. A number of implications for future research shall be discussed.

Googleology for second language learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-469
Author(s):  
Patrizia Giampieri
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Linguistic Research ◽  
Advanced Search ◽  
The World ◽  
Google Search

Abstract The World Wide Web has often been considered too vast to be consulted for linguistic purposes or for language learning. This paper will explore whether second language learners can be taught how to navigate the web (i.e., how to perform Google linguistic research, or “Googleology”), in order to improve their language skills. To this aim, a 2 h trial lesson was organized. The trial lesson was delivered to 78 apprentices, divided into groups of 10–15, over a period of six months. During the lesson, the participants were taught how to work with Google Advanced Search syntax. At the end of the lesson, they applied the newly-acquired skills by completing a few tasks concerning term and/or collocational search. The paper findings will highlight that, despite initial hesitation or inaccuracies in completing the exercises, the tasks were performed well. The participants considered the lesson interesting, useful and enjoyable. They felt engaged irrespective of the level of their second language (L2) knowledge, and were more confident in approaching Google Search for linguistic purposes.

scholarly journals Teachers’ Perception of Motivational Strategies in the Language Classroom

EL LE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Cucinotta
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Classroom Climate ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Motivational Strategies ◽  
Language Classroom

Motivation can determine success or failure in second language learning process, however there is a limited number of published investigations dedicated to motivational strategies in a European context. The purpose of the present study is to replicate Cheng’s and Dörnyei’s (2007) research to test the validity of their findings in a different cultural milieu. 101 foreign language (FL) and second language (L2) teachers were asked to rate a list of 47 motivational strategies according based on the degree of importance they perceived. In addition, they were also invited to specify how they acquainted with each strategy. The results of the study suggest that, even though the use of motivational strategies is decidedly context-dependent, the prevailing importance of some strategies might be cross-cultural. In particular, strategies related to classroom climate could also be considered as preconditions to employ further strategies. The highest-rated strategies are also indicated as acquired mostly through experience, which highlights the far too little attention that motivational strategies have so far received in education programmes for the formation of language teachers.

Attitudes and Motivations of Adult Spanish Language Learners: A Comparison of Heritage Language Learners and Second Language Learners

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet S. Oh ◽  
Bertha A. Nash
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Heritage Language Learners ◽  
Background Factors ◽  
Learning Success

Research on background factors in adult language learners’ success has largely focused on first-time learners of a second language. In this study, we utilize a well-established second language learner model (the Socioeducational Model; Gardner, 1985a) to compare heritage language and second language learners in a first-semester college Spanish class. Participants (31 heritage language learners; 80 second language learners) completed a survey at the end of the semester assessing their ethnic identity, language backgrounds, attitudes and motivation toward learning Spanish. Course grades were collected as a measure of language learning success. Results indicate that heritage language learners and second language learners are similar on most background factors, but that the background factors predicting each group’s language learning success are quite different. Implications for our understanding of language learners and future research directions are discussed.

Seeking Explanatory Adequacy: A Dual Approach to Understanding the Term Heritage Language Learner

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carreira
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Family Background ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Heritage Language Learner ◽  
Explanatory Adequacy

What is a heritage language learner (HLL)? We argue that a pedagogically valuable answer to this question must do more than describe all individuals who ought be considered HLLs; it should also offer a roadmap for meeting the needs of HLLs with regard to language learning. To achieve this goal, which we refer to as achieving “explanatory adequacy”, the answer to the above question must 1) differentiate HLLs from second-language learners (SLLs), 2) differentiate HLLs from first-language learners (L1Ls), and 3) differentiate between different types of HLLs. In reference to the first task, we propose that HLLs are students whose identity and/or linguistic needs differ from those of second language learners by virtue of having a family background in the heritage language (HL) or culture (HC). In reference to the second task, we argue that unlike L1L-s, HLLs do not receive sufficient exposure to their language and culture to fulfill basic identity and linguistic needs. Consequently, they pursue language learning to fulfill these needs. Finally, with regard to the third task, we map out four categories of HLLs, each with different identity and linguistic needs. Along the way, we advocate for endowing all language courses where HLLs are enrolled with a focus on identity and language issues, as these relate to family background.

Intelligent Design of the Post-Listening Tasks in Interactive Multimedia Listening Environments

2015 ◽  
pp. 198-224
Author(s):  
Vehbi Turel
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Intelligent Design ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Interactive Multimedia ◽  
Intermediate Language ◽  
Separate Part ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Definition Of

The objective of this chapter is to clearly demonstrate through concrete examples how affective and efficient post-listening tasks for autonomous intermediate and upper-intermediate (intermediate) language learners can be designed and created in interactive multimedia listening environments (IMLEs) as a part of foreign/second language learning (FLL/SLL) process. Thus, in this chapter, firstly the definition of autonomy is slightly touched on. Secondly, the categorisation of autonomy is briefly explained. Thirdly, a separate part on multimedia listening environments and the nature of the listening stages and tasks in such environments is presented. Mainly and finally, what need to be taken into account in order to be able to design and create pedagogically and psychologically effective and useful post-listening tasks for autonomous intermediate language learners in IMLEs is accounted for in detail.

First Person Singular

2012 ◽  
pp. 22-40
Author(s):  
Shaoqun Wu ◽  
Ian H. Witten
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
First Person ◽  
Library Collection ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Library Technology ◽  
The Web

We use digital library technology to help language learners express themselves by capitalizing on the human-generated text available on the Web. From a massive collection of n-grams and their occurrence frequencies we extract sequences that begin with the word “I”, sequences that begin a question, and sequences containing statistically significant collocations. These are preprocessed, filtered, and organized as a digital library collection using the Greenstone software. Users can search the collection to see how particular words are typically used and browse by syntactic class. The digital library is richly interconnected to other resources. It includes links to external vocabularies and thesauri so that users can retrieve words related to any term of interest, and links the collection to the web by locating sample sentences containing these patterns and presenting them to the user. We have conducted an evaluation of how useful the system is in helping students, and the impact it has on their writing. Finally, language activities generated from the digital library content have been designed to help learners master important emotion related vocabulary and expressions. We predict that the application of digital library technology to assist language students will revolutionize second language learning.

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