Language Learning

Language Learning



Introduction

Language acquisition is for first-language acquisition, and later people may learn secondary languages for which they will have different motivating factors for deciding secondary language learning (Cook, 2008). Motivation for learning different language would vary at different age levels, as adults are aware about their interest and therefore would know the language they desire to learn, however kids are keener to learn first-language as they enjoy learning things which would be fun for them (Gardner, 2010).

Literature Review

Theories for Learning L2

Motivation of learning second language L2 is the most important factor that allows individuals to learn languages efficiently. Behavioral theory which indicates that L2 is learned by observing different events and changes in environment (Macaro,2010). Cognitive psychology suggests that language learning can be expanded to the human ability of memorizing the language. Lastly, language learning may arise between individuals as a result of socialization (VanPatten & Williams, 2007).

Objectives of Learning L2

People may be persuaded to learn different languages other than their native language or first language L1 as they grow up and with passing time the will be keener to learn and develop understanding of various languages as they experience different things (Ortega, 2009). Bilingualism may be additive or subtractive, additive bilingualism would allow humans to learn second languages with continuing to develop first language. However bilingualism may also be subtractive which tends to determine that an individual would acquire second language but simultaneously would forget the native language (oupeltglobalblog.com).

Motivating Factors for Learning L2

Motivations can be distinguished as either being instrumental or integrative (Oxford, 1999). An integrative learner of L2 would be motivated to learn a foreign language as he would have interest in that particular culture and its language. On the other hand an instrumentally motivated learner would want to learn a language as he would have the goal of achieving financial success by learning the language. Age is significant factor that contribute in motivating individuals for learning language children younger than 9 years would be motivated to learn languages that have either been made compulsory at the school or the language in which their interest is developed by making learning interesting for them through providing them various incentives. However adults or the grownups would have different motivating factors as they have better knowledge about their interest and hence they will acquire second language based on their interest and their varying objectives which may be further modified as they grow older (Cabilan, 2000).

Research Question

The research will be focused on identifying the various factors that motivates individuals to learn second language and how these will vary as an individual grows older. How motivating factors for learning second language will vary at different age levels?

Methodology

In order to gather data for the research both primary and secondary research methods will be implemented (Gardner, 2010). For primary research, questionnaire will be developed that will have both open and close ended questions, sample size for the research would be 80 students belonging to different age groups ranging from 9 years to ...