🌍 UNIT 2 – Bilingual and Second Language Acquisition

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 In this section, we explore how people acquire more than one language—either from birth or later in life. Understanding the differences between simultaneous and sequential acquisition helps us appreciate the diversity of language learning experiences and informs how we support learners in the classroom.

 UNIT 2.1 Simultaneous Acquisition 

  • Occurs when a child learns two languages at the same time from birth.
  • Both languages are acquired naturally through interaction with caregivers and the environment.
  • Common in bilingual households or multilingual communities. 

🎥 Suggested video: TED-Ed – The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain

UNIT 2.2 Sequential Acquisition

  • Happens when a second language is learned after the first is already established.
  • Often occurs in school settings or after migration.
  • Learners may go through a silent period, transfer structures from L1, and develop interlanguage.

Comments

  1. KariNovember 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM

    I find the two ways in which we acquire a language very interesting; great explanation.

    ReplyDelete

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