Theories of L2 Acquisition

In contrast to the bilinguals just discussed, many people are introduced to a
second language (L2) after they have achieved native competence in a first
language (L1). If you have had the experience of trying to master a second
language as an adult, no doubt you found it to be a challenge quite unlike your
first language experience.

Is L2 Acquisition the Same as L1 Acquisition?

With some exceptions, adults do not simply pick up a second language. It usually

requires conscious attention, if not intense study and memorization, to

become proficient in a second language. Again, with the exception of some
remarkable individuals, adult second-language learners (L2ers) do not often
achieve native-like grammatical competence in the L2, especially with respect
to pronunciation.

Unlike L1 acquisition, which is uniformly successful across children and
languages, adults vary considerably in their ability to acquire an L2 completely.
Some people are very talented language learners. Others are hopeless.

Studies have shown that Romance speakers acquire German word order in

pieces. During the first stage they use German words but the S-Aux-V-O word

order of their native language, as follows:

Stage 1: Mein Vater hat gekauft ein Buch.

‘My father has bought a book.’

At the second stage, they acquire the VP word order Object-Verb.

Stage 2: Vor Personalrat auch meine helfen.

in the personnel office [a colleague] me helped

‘A colleague in the personnel office helped me.’

At the third stage they acquire the rule that places the verb or (auxiliary) in

second position.

Stage 3: Jetzt kann sie mir eine Frage machen.

now can she me a question ask

‘Now she can ask me a question.’

Ich kenne nich die Welt.

I know not the world.

‘I don’t know the world.’