Learning a Secondary Launguae

Introduction

Secondary language acquisition refers to the process of learning/acquiring a foreign language besides one's primary language, (Crabtree, 1999). Arguments have been put forward concerning the best time to acquire a second language, and ways through which this could be possibly achieved. Differences have continued to emerge among linguists and researchers when it comes to the factors that influence one's ability to acquire a second language. While others argue that one's age has a major influence in their ability to gain language, in the sense that the younger one is the higher chances of successfully acquiring a foreign language, others say that even adults can be trained a fresh, in order to have an easier time learning a second language.

What does it take to learn a new language?

According to Noam Chomsky, a linguist and political activist, the process of language acquisition is a function of the brain that one is born with. He also estimates that for there to be ease of acquisition and fluency on the speaker's side, it is necessary that language be acquired between the ages of 3 to 10 years. After this period, he says, proper language grasp is practically unattainable (Crabtree, 1999).

More research has placed importance in both the input and output processes. In terms of input, it is important that the learner be exposed to input that is intelligible. Listening to, and even reading works written in the second language enable the learner to grasp both vocabulary and grammar. Aside from this, it is important that the learner's output is studied. This ensures positive feedback that gives correction to any mistakes by the learner. Moreover, it is also of importance that meaning be found during communication. The learner has to be able to cipher and decipher what they are saying and also what is being said.

How then can one learn a Secondary Language?

Despite the differences between linguists and researchers when it comes to language acquisition, what most of them agree on is the fact that for language acquisition to occur there has to be a great amount of interaction between the learner and the native speakers of the language. This brings one to the conclusion that the classroom is not the best place to learn a foreign language. The teaching of a language in class means that the learners are exposed to other learners who are also poor speakers of the language they are trying to acquire. Furthermore, most instructors offer instructions and corrections in the learner's first language.

Language requires practice in an environment full of spontaneity, in which one has to carry out a conversation that had not been practiced before. Interaction helps the learner to build up subconscious knowledge of the second language. Unlike in a classroom environment in which one has time and is more bent on using the right form, interaction allows for practice hence, fluency, since one is more focused on making meaning.

A secondary language may also be acquired through music and books (Kaufmann, 2002). Reading books written in the