Chapter 10 Lecture: The Beginning

In developing a theory of SLA, one must first define some key concepts. In Chapter 1 of our textbook (which I did not include in your Course Reader) the author defines the concepts of language, learning, and teaching:

“Language is systematic. Language is a set of arbitrary symbols. Those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual. The symbols have conventionalized meanings to which they refer.
Language is used for communication. Language operates in a speech community or culture.
Language is essentially human, although possibly not limited to humans. Language is acquired by all people in much the same way; language and language learning both have universal characteristics” (Brown, pg. 5)


“Learning is acquisition or ‘getting’. Learning is retention of information or skill. Retention implies storage systems, memory, cognitive organization. Learning involves active, conscious focus on and acting upon events outside or inside the organism. Learning is relatively permanent but subject to forgetting. Learning involves some form of practice, perhaps reinforced practice. Learning is a change of behavior” (Brown, pg. 7)

“Teaching is guiding and facilitating learning, enabling the learner to learn, setting the conditions for learning” (Brown, pg. 7).

The author also advises on "a set of domains of consideration in a theory of SLA". These are useful, and they cover the main ideas of Chapters 1-9. It would be a good idea to review these.

In developing a theory of SLA, we start with hypotheses, claims, and generalizations. Then, we do research and study these claims to see what we find. There are two sets of claims found on pgs. 274-275 that are worth noting. The second set consists of "popular ideas" (pg. 275). What do you think of them?

The difficulty in developing a theory of SLA is that every learner is different. What works for one learner doesn't always work for another. So, how can we say 'this is the best path to SLA'? Long has suggested some criteria worth looking at as you think of developing your own theory of SLA. You can find these suggestions on pg. 277.