ESL Acquisition Theories 3 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: Selinker's concept of 'interlanguage' describes:
- A pidgin language formed between two native-speaking groups
- The learner's developing linguistic system between L1 and L2 (Correct answer)
- A bilingual's perfect blend of two languages
- The process of code-switching in formal contexts
Correct answer: The learner's developing linguistic system between L1 and L2
Interlanguage refers to the dynamic, rule-governed linguistic system a learner constructs as they progress toward target language proficiency, containing elements of both L1 and L2.
Question 2: Which term describes a learner's tendency to apply L1 grammatical rules to the L2 incorrectly?
- Overgeneralization
- Negative transfer (Correct answer)
- Fossilization
- Backsliding
Correct answer: Negative transfer
Negative transfer (also called interference) occurs when a learner incorrectly applies a pattern from their first language to the second language, producing non-target-like forms.
Question 3: Chomsky's Universal Grammar (UG) theory proposes that humans acquire language quickly because:
- They imitate adults with high frequency
- They are born with an innate linguistic knowledge system (Correct answer)
- Early childhood is simply a better time for memorization
- Social interaction provides all necessary input
Correct answer: They are born with an innate linguistic knowledge system
Chomsky argued that children possess an inborn Language Acquisition Device (LAD) containing universal grammatical principles, which explains how they acquire complex grammar despite limited input.
Question 4: Fossilization in SLA refers to the phenomenon where:
- A learner's errors permanently stop developing and become fixed (Correct answer)
- A learner reaches native-speaker proficiency
- Grammar rules are memorized and never forgotten
- Vocabulary acquisition accelerates over time
Correct answer: A learner's errors permanently stop developing and become fixed
Fossilization occurs when certain non-target-like features in a learner's interlanguage become permanently fixed, resisting further instruction or correction.
Question 5: The Natural Order Hypothesis (Krashen) claims that grammatical structures are acquired:
- In the order they are taught in textbooks
- In a predictable sequence regardless of instruction (Correct answer)
- Faster when explicitly taught first
- In the order of their frequency in native speech
Correct answer: In a predictable sequence regardless of instruction
Krashen's Natural Order Hypothesis states that learners acquire grammatical morphemes in a predictable, universal sequence that is largely independent of teaching order.
Question 6: In the Interaction Hypothesis (Long), language acquisition is facilitated primarily by:
- Silent reading of authentic texts
- Negotiation of meaning during communication breakdowns (Correct answer)
- Drill-based pattern practice
- Exposure to grammar rules through explicit instruction
Correct answer: Negotiation of meaning during communication breakdowns
Michael Long's Interaction Hypothesis proposes that negotiation of meaningāwhen speakers work to resolve misunderstandingsāprovides the ideal conditions for acquisition.
Question 7: Which approach to SLA emphasizes learning language through meaningful use rather than explicit grammar instruction?
- Audiolingual Method
- Grammar-Translation Method
- Communicative Language Teaching (Correct answer)
- Cognitive Code Approach
Correct answer: Communicative Language Teaching
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) prioritizes authentic communication and meaning-making over rote memorization of grammar rules or translation exercises.
ESL Acquisition Theories 3
Selinker's concept of 'interlanguage' describes: