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Alternative To Methods Toward Second Language Learning and Acquisition

The document discusses alternatives to traditional methods for second language acquisition. It outlines four main alternative methods: (1) conversing with native speakers, (2) pleasure reading materials in the target language, (3) using the target language as the language of instruction for other subjects, and (4) immersion programs. While these alternatives aim to maximize language learning, each also presents challenges in guaranteeing comprehensible input. The document concludes that teachers and students must evaluate the options and choose the alternative most suitable for effective second language acquisition given their specific needs, competencies, and situation.

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kerrin galvez
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43 views

Alternative To Methods Toward Second Language Learning and Acquisition

The document discusses alternatives to traditional methods for second language acquisition. It outlines four main alternative methods: (1) conversing with native speakers, (2) pleasure reading materials in the target language, (3) using the target language as the language of instruction for other subjects, and (4) immersion programs. While these alternatives aim to maximize language learning, each also presents challenges in guaranteeing comprehensible input. The document concludes that teachers and students must evaluate the options and choose the alternative most suitable for effective second language acquisition given their specific needs, competencies, and situation.

Uploaded by

kerrin galvez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ALTERNATIVE TO METHODS TOWARD SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING AND

ACQUISITION

Second language learning and acquisition has become either a goal or necessity of

various people for different purposes. A set of systematic teaching practices called “methods”

focus on the applications of particular theory of language teaching and learning. Moreover, the

second or foreign language classroom makes it possible for language learners to acquire

sufficient knowledge about the target knowledge and be enabled to use the outside world for

further second language acquisition.

Despite the flexibility and adaptability of instructors in creating teaching materials and

instructions, the existing methods are not sufficient to guarantee that second language acquisition

is maximized. As a result, there are basically alternatives to methods toward second language

learning and acquisition. These alternative methods, of course, are products of understanding

different related theories and investigating methodologies for second language acquisition. It

aims to offer a wide-ranging and complete outline of the present inclinations in obtaining a

second language while providing effective and targeted methods in a critical way. Alternative to

methods include: (1) conversation with native speakers; (2) pleasure reading; (3) using subject

matter for language teaching; and (4) immersion programs in addition to other possibilities in

subject matter teaching. 

Conversation with native speakers is pretty much about finding selected people who are

native speakers of the target language and interacting with them. Native speakers are primarily

the best persons to help learners acquire the language. Ultimately, the result of this alternative

will depend both on the native speaker and the acquirer. In order to make sure that the

conversation is comprehensible, the learners need to have a linguistic competence. This implies
the need for unconscious knowledge of all the “rules” of the target language. Both the native

speaker and the acquirer must work together on making the conversation relevant and interesting

as well as decide on whether long or short depending on the circumstances. The thing about this

method is it is not grammatically sequenced. 

Pleasure reading literally pertains to the method of reading for pleasure in the target

language. This alternative mostly depends on the willingness of the acquirer to practice and

develop familiarity and grow accustomed to the second or foreign language. It is also important

to ensure that reading materials are available, cost should not be a hindrance, and learners should

be given ample time to do pleasure reading. The good point about this method is that it is already

guaranteed that this approach is comprehensible, relevant, and interesting since the acquirer has

the freedom to select the passage or text.  

The approach in which the second or foreign language is utilized as a language of

presentation and explanation is also an option. This opposes the concept of submersion, the sink

or swim method to learning a second language. This alternative focuses on providing ways in

which instructors modify interaction in the classroom particularly the subject matter. It facilitates

the input, feedback, the learning process and the needs of second language learners. It also helps

emphasize the learning of the difficult forms and meaning of the second language which the

students have not entirely learned.  For this approach, it is not always interesting but relevant,

and the comprehensible input will depend on the instructors. 

Commonly, only in immersion programs that students are taught with the secondary

language. Since in their academic subject they are exclusively taught in the second language, it is

likely possible that immersion students obtain high levels of competency in the target language.

Their skill in conversing is mostly developed inside the classroom considering that there is a
more standardized and instruction set intended for faster and more efficient second or foreign

language acquisition. This alternative requires effective support for communication, developing a

routine, incorporating the target language to the tasks required inside the classroom, and using

specialized strategies and materials. The challenges here may include student’s resistance to

using the target language, the need for more time and effort, and difficulty in explaining abstract

concepts. 

Furthermore, the alternative to methods in relation to second or foreign language

acquisition certainly offers various options to maximize language learning. Whether through

conversing with a native speaker, pleasure reading, utilizing the target language as a language of

presentation and explanation, or immersion programs, optimal input cannot be completely

guaranteed. This is because in every alternative, there are also challenges accompanying it. As a

result, it is important that both instructors and language learners evaluate the overall situation

and decide which alternative is most effective and suitable. Learners must reflect upon their

competence and willingness. In addition, teachers must take time to have a careful evaluation of

what students need most in relation to teaching materials, instructions, and strategies. In that

way, both will have a clear idea of which method works best for second language acquisition.

After all, the goal is to acquire the target language in the most efficient way, both benefiting the

students and teachers.

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