PRIMARY TEACHERS DIPLOMA
NAME: NAMUKONDA GIFT
COMPUTER NUMBER: 202502221
CLASS: PTD G1
GROUP TUTOR: MS. KALABA D.
COURSE TUTOR: MRS. MULENGA C .
COURSE NAME: LITERACY AND LANGUAGE EDUCATION
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: ONE(1)
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Explain five factors that influence language acquisition and language learning.
DUE DATE: SECOND WEEK ON FRIDAY NEXT TERM(MAY)
Language acquisition and language learning are influenced by various factors that shape how
individuals develop their language skills. Understanding these factors age, motivation, exposure,
cognitive development, and social interaction is crucial for educators and learners. This
assignment will explore each factor's role in determining the effectiveness of language learning,
helping to enhance teaching methods and support diverse learners better.
According to, Tornow, W. (2021). Language acquisition refers to the natural and subconscious
process through which individuals, especially children, acquire their first language or additional
languages. Language learning, on the other hand, is a more conscious and structured process.
To begin with, language acquisition refers to the natural and subconscious process through which
individuals, especially children, acquire their first language or additional languages. This process
occurs effortlessly and often involves picking up language through exposure and interaction in a
social context, without formal instruction. It emphasizes the innate ability of humans to
understand and produce language Angelou, M. (1970).
Therefore, below is an explanation of how age, motivation, exposure, cognitive development,
and social interaction influence language acquisition. Younger children typically have an
advantage in language acquisition due to their brain's plasticity. This means their brains can
adapt and form new connections more easily. For example, a child exposed to Mandarin from an
early age can distinguish between tones, which is crucial for understanding the language Kondo,
M. (2014).
In contrast, adults may find it challenging to replicate these sounds because their speech patterns
are more fixed. Additionally, children often learn languages through play and interaction,
making the process enjoyable and less stressful.
Subsequently, motivation is a key driver in language learning. Intrinsic motivation, where
learners are driven by personal interest or enjoyment, can lead to deeper engagement. For
instance, a student who loves Japanese anime may be motivated to learn Japanese to understand
the dialogue without subtitles Lee, F. (2020).
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation, such as wanting to achieve good grades or gain career
opportunities, can also be effective. A professional seeking a promotion might learn a new
language to enhance their job prospects. The stronger the motivation, the more effort a learner
will put into practice and improvement.
Conversely, exposure to a language occurs through listening, reading, and speaking in that
language. The more often learners encounter a language, the better they grasp its nuances. For
example, a child who grows up in a bilingual household will hear both languages daily, helping
them switch between languages seamlessly Angelou, M. (1970).
In contrast, an adult learner who studies for an hour a week may struggle to retain what they
learn. Immersive experiences, such as living in a country where the language is spoken or
participating in language exchange programs, significantly boost language skills by providing
real-life context and practice opportunities.
Furthermore, cognitive development influences how learners process and understand language.
Younger children often learn language intuitively, picking up vocabulary and grammar through
repetition and context. For example, a preschooler may learn the word "apple" by seeing it,
hearing it, and tasting it, all in a playful setting. Older learners, however, might approach
language learning more analytically, needing to understand grammatical rules and vocabulary
lists Angelou, M. (1970).
For instance, a teenager learning German may benefit from studying the cases (nominative,
accusative, etc.) to form correct sentences, as their cognitive skills allow for more abstract
thinking.
Hence, social interaction is crucial for language practice and development. Engaging with others
in conversation allows learners to apply what they've learned and receive immediate feedback.
For example, a student who participates in a language club can practice speaking and listening
skills with peers, making mistakes in a supportive environment Kondo, M. (2014).
On the other hand, language learning is a more conscious and structured process. It typically
involves formal education, where learners study grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation through
lessons, textbooks, and exercises. Language learning is often associated with acquiring additional
languages after the first one and requires active engagement and practice to develop proficiency
Lee, F. (2020).
Therefore, below is an explanation of how age, motivation, exposure, cognitive development,
and social interaction influence language learning. Age influence language learning, younger
children often learn languages more easily than adults. This is because their brains are more
flexible and can pick up sounds and grammar rules quickly. For example, a toddler learning
Spanish might speak with a perfect accent, while an adult might struggle with pronunciation Lee,
F. (2020).
In the same vein, motivation is the desire to learn. If someone is excited about learning a
language, they are more likely to practice and improve. For instance, a student who wants to
travel to France might work harder to learn French because they are eager to communicate with
locals Tornow, W. (2021).
However, exposure means being around the language regularly. The more you hear and use a
language, the better you get at it. For example, a child who listens to English songs and watches
English cartoons will learn faster than someone who only studies from a textbook.
Nevertheless. cognitive development refers to how thinking skills grow over time. Younger
children learn language naturally, while older learners may need to understand grammar rules.
For example, a young child might understand that “dog” means a pet without needing an
explanation, while an older learner might need to study vocabulary lists Swearingen, P. (2019).
To end with, social interaction involves communicating with others. Talking to people in the
language you are learning helps you practice and gain confidence. For example, a teenager who
joins a language club will have chances to speak and make mistakes, which helps them learn
faster than studying alone Tornow, W. (2021).
In summary, language acquisition and language learning are influenced by several key factors:
age, motivation, exposure, cognitive development, and social interaction. Younger learners often
adapt more easily, while motivation drives engagement and effort. Regular exposure to the
language enhances practice, and cognitive development shapes understanding of grammar and
vocabulary. Social interaction allows for real-world application of skills. By recognizing these
factors, educators can create effective learning environments that support diverse learners,
ultimately improving language acquisition outcomes.
REFERENCES
Angelou, M. (1970). I know why the caged bird sings. New York: Random House.
Kondo, M. (2014). The life-changing magic of tidying up. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.
Lee, F. (2020). Canine and feline nutrition. St. Louis: Mosby.
Swearingen, P. (2019). All-in-one nursing care planning resource. St. Louis: Elsevier.
Tornow, W. (2021). A theory of nursing (2nd ed.). Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
