Languge Acquisition vs. Language Learning

By: Natalia Molina Chacon

natim0024@gmail.com

 

When it comes to language acquisition and language learners, most of the time there exists confusion among them. Second language learners specially are not sure whether they are

acquiring the new language or learning it. Also due to the differences of opinion between some specialists of the language, people (students) are not clear how to describe neither differentiate among them, however they agree indeed that they are very different from each

other.                                                                                                                                            

 

Let us first get clear with the meaning of language learning and language acquisition. Learning a language consist of a process that takes time, because it is more about getting

to know the structures, patterns and rules of the language. Students when learning a

language they have the idea that for in order to speak and write in a new language they

should learn the structures, so at the time of applying them it can make sense. However due to the amount of information they are receiving can cause them an interference during the process and never be able to speak the language properly.                                                 

 

Language acquisition on the other hand is a process that happens naturally, sometimes

without even noticing. Language acquisition is like a process of imitation and copying

what the person (learner) perceives. Children are the best examples when talking about

language acquisition, because they learn through different stages which are based on

copying and imitating what they see.                                                           

 

When it comes to a second language learning students would have to go through the same

process as children in order to acquire this second language. Some researchers state that

in order to gain a new language it is necessary to work on the area of communication at any time, also; it is necessary to be surrounded with characteristics of the language as well as get involved with its culture. This is the way in which student’s or learner’s ear get used to the new language by speaking and being aware of the mistakes that are made as well as

with culture; therefore, students can also get to master the language