Language Acquisition 101
If your adult family members’ experience trying to “learn” another language was anything like mine, they probably left high school barely able to hold a simple conversation. And today, if they’ve not used that language since, they probably remember next to nothing. It’s a sad but common story.
Most likely, those teachers taught your parents about the new language. They probably spoke a lot in English and focused on grammar using worksheets and textbooks. The goal was to study rather than acquire the language.
Our goal is acquisition so that we can communicate about meaningful topics.
I wrote this brief introduction to proficiency-based language learning to help students better understand how language acquisition happens and to encourage you to stay curious and part of our community. Knowing other languages has changed my life for the better - keep your mind open to the possibility that the same could happen for you.
What is language proficiency? Simply put, it is your ability to understand, but also communicate the facts, ideas, opinions and questions in your head. As a Novice (beginner,) you won’t have a lot of language to work with. You’ll be a little confused at times; you'll make mistakes. But if you can follow what’s happening in class and meet our daily objectives, congrats - you’re succeeding.
So how do you acquire a language? Slowly! And we know it only happens when people are immersed in the target language (the language you want to learn.) ACTFL, a national organization of language teachers and researchers, recommends that nearly all communication in class take place in the target language. So I teach the way I do not just because I believe it works, but because research shows it does.
As your teacher, I try hard to make meanings clear while avoiding English. The sign on the classroom whiteboard is meant to keep our English and French separate, which research tells us is also important.
The most critical part of language acquisition is listening. It may seem to you at times in class that “nothing is happening” when I’m asking questions or describing something. But your brain is at work making sense of it all. You have to hear a language a lot before you’re able to speak it well - I try to provide lots of opportunities.
You may wonder: But how can I understand someone who only speaks French?
Pairing gestures with spoken language helps a lot (we’ll use American Sign Language as well as French, so you’ll actually be starting to acquire bits of another language.) Also helpful: photos, stories, slowing down, cognates, context (the setting where you hear or read the language) and some limited translation of new words and phrases.
Q: Can’t you just tell us what everything means in English?
There are times when translation makes sense, but it generally doesn’t help you learn deeply. Brain research tells us that figuring out the meanings of words and texts in a new language helps us to better remember their meanings. And meaning is what’s important. If I point to myself and pretend to shiver and say “Brrr” while saying “J’ai froid,” you get the idea. I could tell you the phrase means “I’m cold” or translate the phrase literally as “I have cold,” but neither is exactly right. You understand what I mean, and that’s what matters.
Q: Why do I have act out all those words and phrases?
A: Because research shows that linking physical actions with spoken language makes that language easier to hold in our heads. I don’t move on in class until 100 percent of students are gesturing/acting things out.
Q: So, do French speakers use sign language all the time?
A: Nope. We just use signs in our class for the reason stated above.
Q: At the start of class or when it seems like not much is happening, can I just go on my computer or work on stuff from other classes?
A: Did you really just ask that question? The short answer is “NON.” You always have something to do at the start of class, which is described on the daily slide under “Tout de suite!” If you finish, our classroom library has lots of books, magazines and puzzles.
But before anything else, you should greet your tablemates and ask how they’re doing and use whatever other French you’ve learned. We acquire language in part by using it.
Q: How can I study for assessments?
A: Language is acquired through immersion and interaction. If you are attentive to what’s happening around you in class, I don’t believe you’ll need to study. If you would ever like to review vocabulary or phrases, there are loads of resources on Google Classroom.
Q: What about if I’m absent. How do I make up missed work?
A: Not easily, since the “work” consists of being present and interacting with the French language. The good news is that we will constantly be mixing old language with new, so you’ll always be reviewing and adding to what you know. By the way, if you were out, please don’t EVER ask me the following: “Did I miss anything last class?” The answer is always “Oui.” Please ask a classmate for the details.