4. Software Applications and Second Language Acquisition

Software Applications and Second Language Acquisition

We know very well that the multi-lingual countries like India, the English language proceeds as a second language. The importance of English induces us to learn it. Communication is one of the well known apparatus for human living. We cannot imagine the world without communication. In recent years, the English language has turned into clearer that arrests the heart and mind of all men among all other languages in the world. The learners ease and rapidly use modern technologies to acquire four macro-skills (LSRW skills) with more spotlights on the productive skills i.e. speaking and writing. “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”- it is an old saying, whereas now a days, slowly the teachers are replaced by computers. Computer assisted language learning helps the learners to succeed in their language learning. This paper deals with how the computer application software plays an essential role in second language acquisition.

Computer application software for learning English skills helps the ESL learners for continuous professional development leading to their own style of language. The emergence of computer applications becomes a solution to the problem in second language acquisition. The applications are involved with the tasks which are based on the learners need. The tasks are designed differently and the learners can chose to use the software in a different way. The practicality and the efficiency of computer use are seen widely by the learners, who have the goal in acquiring the target forms. Most of the research are highlighting the computer application software provides the ESL learners with limitless access to new vocabulary, grammar, speech patterns, pronunciation and their language ability.

Computer applications based on second language learning facilitate self-paced learning. Computers are multimedia tool, which effectively have graphics, audio, video and printing capabilities. The various software applications act as an interactive tool, where we can get immediate feedback and reinforcement. These software packages are extremely flexible and make an environment where learner centered control learning takes place. We can categories these software packages into three categories for beginners, intermediate and advance level. For the beginners, it helps to develop their vocabulary and simple sentences and basic grammar. For the intermediate levels, it helps to improve their four skills, advanced level grammar, pronunciation and speech patterns. The advanced level helps the learners improve their communication level where they can be use the Standard English.

A vibrant practice in listening skill is possible, when the learners make use of the technology, by the use various interviews, short speeches, variety of innovative lessons and lots more. The sparkling speaking practice lessons provide a range of topics which aims at developing their functional language. The lively reading practice is achievable by the use of topics given in the software. They can easily learn the approaches and techniques in the reading skills. The writing skill is carried out by the advanced learners in an effective way. These skills are acquired by various step by step. These skills are inter-related with one another.

Stephen Krashen says, "Acquisition requires meaningful interactions in the target language - natural communication - in which speakers are concerned not with the form of their utterances but with the messages they are conveying and understanding.". From the computer tasks, learners can be engaged in for language acquisition. Computer applications in Second Language Acquisition provide the results from input, goal, procedure, task types, setting, preparation and resource. Operational of learning conditions and assessment of learner’s process were developed somewhat through the 1990’s, but continue to hold untapped potential.

There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology. The computer application makes the ideas in a clear manner by the use of multimedia. It is an audio-visual aid, where the learners learn the things with full attention. More practice is given and learners can do it again and again until familiar in the task. The learners can choose the task based application that they need. The application provides more attention on the process of the learner’s activity. It increases the intellectual capacity of the learners and their interest to learn. It offers the effective way of learning the language by the easiest way. The reality and everyday activities in the application focus the self learning and self evaluation. All the learners play the same role than the individual differences considered.

Kelm (1992) provides an example of a LAN-based Computer Mediated Communication activity. In the research, he expressed the impression of the activity that the pedagogy stands in the greatest advantage where we can get the increased participation from all the members of the class. From his research task activities, he states that the language learning potential is possible, learners are fit enough to carry out the activities, all the respondents focus on meaning, the impact of the research is positive and the practicality is good in Computer Mediated Communication activity. Carol, in his book, concludes that the 21st century is the stage to host collaborative development of infrastructure for large scale use by profession and research essential for development of various theories of language and acquisition.

Louis Gerstner says, “Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding”. Computers are just an aid and not an answer. Though the computer applications provide self learning, learners need the appropriate guidance of the teacher. The successful result is achievable when the teachers choose the right task based on the student levels.

It is concluded that the computer applications play a vital role to acquire the English language. The worth of the learning will be more when they choose the technology like language lab, learning English software applications and multi-media labs. But we need an expert who handles and drags the students in an appropriate way. The computer now accomplishes all the requirement of language educators and gives life for many language learners.