Language Deficiency in Children

1980 ◽  
Vol 89 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 165-170
Author(s):  
Donald M. Morehead ◽  
Kerstin E. Morehead ◽  
William A. Morehead

Research in cognition and language has provided useful constructs which suggest that specific deficits underlie language deficiencies in children. In addition, this research has provided procedures that determine what a child knows about language at a particular level of development and has established a sequence of linguistic development that maps the specific content and structure of training programs. Two new areas of research offer additional approaches to assessment and remediation. One approacch focuses on the actual principles and strategies that normal children use to learn language, making it possible to determine which methods are most efficient. The second research approach looks at the contextual conditions adults and children provide the first language learner. Preliminary work suggests that the natural conditions found universally in first language learning may be the best indicators of how to proceed with language-deficient children.

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Lee Webster ◽  
Chunlei Lu

In today’s globalized world it is increasingly important to consciously consider the terminology used when referencing others. The purpose of this paper is to explore and discuss the perplexing array of loosely defined ESL-related terminology in Education. A literature search revealed various terms referring to the same group of learners, the most common being English Language Learner. Through a deconstruction of related terms, an alternative term is proposed: Learner of English as an Additional Language (LEAL). The language learning aspect should not be utilized as a defining characteristic. LEAL is a respectful and culturally appropriate term that utilizes person first language.


1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 621-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
William O'Grady

The field of language acquisition is divided over the question of whether the inborn mechanisms underlying linguistic development include actual grammatical categories and principles or are of a more general character. Recent proposals suggest a possible convergence of views on this matter, with implications for the study of both first language acquisition and second language learning. This paper explores this possibility by examining the evolution of grammatical nativism with particular emphasis on a radical shift in the generality of the inborn principles that have been posited in recent work. The nature and implications of this shift are illustrated with the help of developmental data involving gap-containing structures in first and second language acquisition.


Author(s):  
Shanthi Nadarajan ◽  
Nurulhuzaiman Hussain ◽  
Damien Mikeng

Second language learning motivation is often analyzed as a multidimensional construct involving learner’s images of their individual selves and complex statistical measures. While many of these analysis have deepened understanding of various cognitive and affective factors influencing language learner behavior, research investigating the different motivation factors that combine learner types remains scarce. Involving 78 Malaysian undergraduates from a University in East Malaysia taking a proficiency course, the study looked at learner motivation in relation to L2 motivational dimensions, classroom factors and learning goals. An exploratory cluster analysis identified 4 group motivational profiles: 1-motivated, 2-amotivated, 3-externally motivated and 4-self-determined. Initial data analysis found both learner images (the ideal L2 learner) and instrumental (Ought to L2 learner) as main factors influencing motivated learning behavior. The combined findings for learner confidence in the classroom and vitality of L2 speaker communities revealed that except for the extrinsically motivated communities (e.g. International Finance students), most students indicated learning as more meaningful if attention was given to their first language resources. Classroom activities that integrate first language resources  have a positive influence on learner’s effort and willingness to invest while a strict L2-only perspective have a negative effect on learner motivation. Given the role of English for the digital world, L2 universities may benefit from including learners’ first language resources and experience for engaging and helping learners to perform academically.


2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Kamilla Bargiel-Matusiewicz ◽  
Aleksandra Bargiel-Firlit

Correction Techniques Preferred by Students During the Process of Learning a Foreign Language Mistakes can be seen as an integral and natural part of learning. This is true of the development of a child's first language as well as of second language learning by children and adults. Learning never proceeds without making errors. They appear naturally in linguistic development. The main aim of the research is to find out if and how the learners appreciate error correction. Besides, its goal is to provide qualitative data concerning learners' opinions, as well as bring some comments on errors in their own experience. The research results clearly indicate that students generally believe that making errors is one of the things they do while learning a foreign language. They agree that they can learn a lot from their mistakes. Almost 40% of the research subjects think that error correction is absolutely necessary, and a half of them see correction as very helpful. They value correction as a means of improvement. Most learners are not afraid of errors and treat them as something natural. However, almost half of the research subjects associate making a mistake with the feeling of guilt. They use an avoidance technique in order not to be laughed at when they make a mistake. Thus, errors should not be approached with hostility. It is better to view errors as the sign of a learner's progress rather than a sign of lack of knowledge.


Author(s):  
Hapsari Dwi Kartika

This paper explains why learner autonomy is taken into account in language learning where English is a foreign language for the learners particularly in Indonesia. The definition of learner autonomy and its advantages to language learner in EFL contexts will be described within this paper. Many scholars from psychological education and English teaching and learning had proved that language learning can be improved by certain strategy. They revealed the correlation between the autonomous learning with students’ success in learning with different aspect. The definition of autonomy is similar to many different words such as self-regulated and self-determined. Finally, the writer suggests how teacher can promote the autonomous learning atmosphere in the classroom.Keywords: strategy, promoting autonomy, EFL context, Indonesia


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily S Nichols ◽  
Marc F Joanisse

We investigated the extent to which second-language (L2) learning is influenced by the similarity of grammatical features in one’s first language (L1). We used event-related potentials to identify neural signatures of a novel grammatical rule - grammatical gender - in L1 English speakers. Of interest was whether individual differences in L2 proficiency and age of acquisition (AoA) influenced these effects. L2 and native speakers of French read French sentences that were grammatically correct, or contained either a grammatical gender or word order violation. Proficiency and AoA predicted Left Anterior Negativity amplitude, with structure violations driving the proficiency effect and gender violations driving the AoA effect. Proficiency, group, and AoA predicted P600 amplitude for gender violations but not structure violations. Different effects of grammatical gender and structure violations indicate that L2 speakers engage novel grammatical processes differently from L1 speakers and that this varies appreciably based on both AoA and proficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 2319-2324
Author(s):  
Rina Muka ◽  
Irida Hoti

The language acquired from the childhood is the language spoken in the family and in the place of living. This language is different from one pupil to another, because of their social, economical conditions. By starting the school the pupil faces first the ABC book and then in the second grade Albanian language learning through the Albanian language textbook. By learning Albanian language step by step focused on Reading, Writing, Speaking and Grammar the pupil is able to start learning the second language on the next years of schooling. So, the second language learning in Albanian schools is related to the first language learning (mother tongue), since the early years in primary school. In our schools, the second language (English, Italian) starts in the third grade of the elementary class. On the third grade isn’t taught grammar but the pupil is directed toward the correct usage of the language. The textbooks are structured in developing the pupil’s critical thinking. The textbooks are fully illustrated and with attractive and educative lessons adequate to the age of the pupils. This comparative study will reflect some important aspects of language learning in Albanian schools (focused on Albanian language - first language and English language - second language), grade 3-6. Our point of view in this paper will show not only the diversity of the themes, the lines and the sub-lines but also the level of language knowledge acquired at each level of education. First, the study will focus on some important issues in comparing Albanian and English language texts as well as those which make them different: chronology and topics retaken from one level of education to another, so by conception of linear and chronological order will be shown comparatively two learned languages (mother tongue and second language). By knowing and learning well mother tongue will be easier for the pupil the foreign language learning. The foreign language (as a learning curriculum) aims to provide students with the skills of using foreign language written and spoken to enable the literature to recognize the achievements of advanced world science and technology that are in the interest of developing our technique. Secondly, the study will be based on the extent of grammatical knowledge, their integration with 'Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing' as well as the inclusion of language games and their role in language learning. The first and second language learning in Albanian schools (grade III-VI) is based on similar principles for the linearity and chronology of grammatical knowledge integrated with listening, reading, writing and speaking. The different structure of both books help the pupils integrate and use correctly both languages. In the end of the sixth grade, the pupils have good knowledge of mother tongue and the second language and are able to write and speak well both languages.


Relay Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 459-463
Author(s):  
Sam Morris ◽  
Sarah Mercer

In our June 2019 LAB session on Teacher/Advisor Education for Learner Autonomy, our featured interview was conducted with Sarah Mercer, Professor of Foreign Language Teaching and Head of ELT at the University of Graz, Austria. Sarah has published a wealth of papers in the field of language and teacher psychology, and co-edited many books including, most recently, New Directions in Language Learning Psychology (2016), Positive Psychology in SLA (2016), and Language Teacher Psychology (2018). Sarah was awarded the 2018 Robert C. Gardner Award for Outstanding Research in Bilingualism in recognition of her work. We were delighted that she was able to share her knowledge on the topic of language learner and teacher well-being with us during the session.


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