Language Learning vs Language Acquisition: Difference and Implications

Summary

In this video, the distinction between 'learning' and 'acquiring' a language is explored, highlighting the powerful concept of language acquisition. The speaker credits Paulina Brenner for drawing attention to this difference and introduces the perspectives of Professor Krashen and Wallace Lambert. Learning a language involves studying grammar rules, while acquisition is a subconscious, immersive process. The hybrid method blends both approaches, combining immersion with selective grammar teaching. The video also encourages viewers to reflect on how many languages they've truly acquired, rather than just learned, to better understand their own language mastery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The key distinction between 'learning' and 'acquiring' a language is that learning focuses on understanding grammar and structure, while acquiring is about subconsciously absorbing and using the language.
• 😀 The term 'acquisition' in language learning was popularized by Professor Stephen Krashen, who explained that acquisition is more powerful than learning.
• 😀 Language learning typically involves explicit grammar instruction, while language acquisition happens through immersion and exposure to meaningful language use.
• 😀 The hybrid method combines immersion with explicit grammar teaching, focusing on grammar aspects encountered naturally through use.
• 😀 Paulina Brenner helped bring attention to the distinction between learning and acquiring languages, prompting deeper discussion about language mastery.
• 😀 Richard Simcot, a famous polyglot, often emphasizes how many languages he has 'studied' versus how many he has 'acquired', suggesting a difference between formal learning and natural acquisition.
• 😀 'Learning' a language involves conscious memorization of rules, while 'acquiring' involves the subconscious internalization of these rules through context and usage.
• 😀 Krashen's work suggests that acquisition is far more effective than formal learning in achieving true fluency in a language.
• 😀 The hybrid method is considered a balanced approach, where learners are immersed in the language and only taught grammar that arises naturally in context.
• 😀 When asked how many languages someone speaks, it's important to differentiate between how many they have learned versus how many they have acquired, as this reflects different levels of language proficiency.

Q & A

What is the primary distinction between learning a language and acquiring a language?

Learning a language involves becoming familiar with its structure and grammar, whereas acquiring a language refers to subconsciously observing and absorbing the language through meaningful use.

Who helped highlight the difference between 'learning' and 'acquiring' a language in the video?

Paulina Brenner, a friend and colleague of the speaker, is credited with drawing attention to the distinction between learning and acquiring a language.

What does language acquisition involve according to Professor Krashen?

Language acquisition involves subconsciously absorbing a language and developing a natural feel for it, without focusing on explicit rules.

How does language learning differ from language acquisition in terms of grammar?

In language learning, grammar is taught explicitly, while in language acquisition, grammar is absorbed through exposure and meaningful use of the language.

What is the 'hybrid method' of language learning?

The hybrid method combines immersion (subconscious language absorption) with explicit grammar teaching, focusing only on the grammar that learners have encountered through their meaningful use of the language.

What does Richard Simcott mean when he talks about the number of languages he has studied?

Richard Simcott emphasizes the distinction between 'studied' and 'acquired' languages. When he mentions the number of languages he has studied, he is not necessarily referring to those he has fully acquired.

Why does Richard Simcott prefer not to specify how many languages he 'speaks'?

Richard Simcott prefers to say how many languages he has 'studied' because speaking a language requires acquisition, and he might not have acquired all the languages he has studied.

How can one assess how many languages they have truly acquired?

To assess how many languages one has truly acquired, it is important to reflect on the entire repertoire of languages spoken, recognizing that acquisition is different from formal learning.

What is the significance of the distinction between language learning and acquisition?

The distinction is important because acquisition is considered a more powerful and natural process than learning, which typically relies on explicit instruction and memorization of rules.

Why is it important to understand the difference between learning and acquiring a language for language learners?

Understanding the difference helps language learners focus on immersive, meaningful exposure rather than solely memorizing grammar rules, which can lead to more effective and lasting language acquisition.