Language, Learning and Teaching

Language Learning vs. Language Acquisition

by Mitzy Glenn 

       In terms of languages, one of the most important questions asked is… what is the best way to learn a new language? Here, the key aspect is the word learn; since when we learn something, anything, we are conscious about that process. 

We are pre disposed to gain the new knowledge. We ask someone to teach us or go to a specific place to learn (e.g. High school) or we can even go by ourselves and try to look for the information, the instructions, the definitions, etc.  The entire process of learning a new language goes hand to hand with grammar, patterns, memorization, vocabulary, pronunciation, phonetics, etc. Additionally, most of the times when learning a new language there are theory/grammar lessons, exams, practices, quizzes, homework assignments, presentations, etc.

                Nonetheless, what happens if we change the question to what is the best way to acquire a new language? As you noticed, now we have a different word acquire. However, what is the difference? Well, at this point is better to remember that we are focused on languages and not the definitions of learn and acquire in isolation. 

In order to answer to that question now we need to talk about language acquisition. Language acquisition implies an unconscious process, as the one you experienced with your native language when you are a child. Do you remember your parents sitting with you explaining to you “the rules of your native language”? You probably do not. Almost certainly, you acquired your native language by listening to your family members, friends, TV, etc; by pointing out something and asking its name, or simply by your parents’ corrections when you said something incorrectly.  The whole process is natural, not constructed; it is simply the way your family/ friends and you communicate with each other.

       With all that being said, I do believe that communicating effectively is the main purpose of incorporating a new language.  To put it briefly, it is not worth it to memorize and repeat as a parrot all the preconfigured scenarios on a book. The important thing is to know how to apply your knowledge to the real world scenarios, real world conversations and situations. 

The aim of most language learners is not to repeat what the book or rule says or to know how to complete a grammar test; on the contrary, the aim is to communicate without depending on a book or dictionary by their side! The purpose is to feel comfortable when communicating ideas. In this case, as English teachers, we need to recognize the important of real settings on our classrooms, class discussions, etc. so that students apply what they know and understand.