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Have you ever wondered how we learn languages? Whether you are just beginning your language learning journey or already a seasoned language learner, understanding how the process works can make a huge difference. Language learning involves developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as understanding how we acquire and use language in different contexts. By learning about these processes, we can choose more effective strategies, stay motivated, and ultimately reach our language learning goals with greater confidence. To get you started, browse through this page to find key themes in language learning and communication:
What is Communication?
Foundational Aspects of Language Learning
Language Learning Strategies
Pragmatics and Real-world Language Use
Each section contains links to resources from educational videos created by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies to open educational resources written by student authors the the University of Oregon. Go ahead and strengthen your knowledge about how language learning works!
What is communication?
What is communication?
Learners often begin language study by memorizing long lists of vocabulary, only to discover that real-life communication works very differently. This experience highlights an important insight: effective communication extends beyond isolated vocabulary and grammatical forms. When learners understand how communication functions in context, language development becomes more meaningful and natural.
Communication in language learning can be defined as “the expression, interpretation, and sometimes negotiation of meaning in a given context” (VanPatten, 2017).
The key aspects are:
Expression: The ability to produce language that conveys meaning.
Interpretation: The ability to understand and interpret language input.
Negotiation: The interactive process of clarifying and exchanging meaning between speakers.
Context: The social or situational environment in which communication occurs.
"Communication is purposeful, that is, language use should have a genuine reason or goal beyond mere practice of linguistic forms." VanPatten (2017)
What are the three modes of communication?
What are the three modes of communication?
We use language to communicate in many ways. Exchanging text messages involves a back-and-forth communication, while watching a movie is one-way. Understanding these modes will help you identify how you want to use language. Do you want to be able to exchange stories with your grandparents? Or maybe read signs when you visit a new country? As you develop understanding of these modes, you are able to clearly identify your language learning goals.
One widely used framework for understanding communication in language learning is the ACTFL model, which describes three modes of communication.
The Three Modes of Communication (ACTFL)
Interpersonal: person-to-person spontaneous communication; Language skills involved: speaking, writing
Interpretive: one-way receptive communication; Language skills involved: listening, reading, viewing
Presentational: one-way, drafted, edited, productive communication; Language skills involved: speaking, writing
Source: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). (2012). World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages.
The Three Modes of Communication
What are the foundational aspects of language learning?
What are the foundational aspects of language learning?
Learning a language is more than just memorizing vocabulary or practicing grammar rules. It involves understanding how language develops, how people acquire it, and the ways it grows alongside culture and experience. "Learning How to Learn Languages" is a student-developed, interactive, open-source online textbook that offers a comprehensive view of second language learning, providing conceptual perspectives on language learning through a practical lens. Click on the links below to learn more about the foundational aspects of language learning:
Identify common myths about language learning and discover what motivates learners to continue their language learning journey.
Explore different theories of language acquisition and identify learning approaches that support effective language learning.
Examine how issues such as heritage language learning, language endangerment, and language revitalization shape access to language education.
Learning How to Learn Languages
Created by Keli Yerian, Bibi Halima, Faith Adler, Logan Fisher, Cameron Keaton, Addy Orsi, and Abhay Pawar
Language Learning Strategies
Language Learning Strategies
Effective language learning involves developing multiple skills and strategies. These include receptive and productive language skills, intercultural awareness, and metacognitive strategies that help learners monitor and regulate their learning process.
The section below features language learning strategies for each of the skills related to language learning. Although each of the skills are separated from one another, it is important to remember that this is not necessarily how these skills exist in the real world. Recalling ACTFL's three modes of communication, two or more of these skills are often naturally intertwined. Click on the boxes below to find more language learning resources specific to these language learning skills.
Key Concepts in Language Learning
Click on the icons below to learn more about the key concepts in language learning
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