Interaction and Negotiation in L2 Acquisition



Abstract

This paper will explore the significance of interaction and negotiation in L2 acquisition by exploring both factors as a whole and individually. It will explain how these two factors affect and aid the learning process of individuals in comprehending the target language. It will also discuss the benefits and limitations of these factors by the help of scholarly research.

Interaction and Negotiation in L2 Acquisition

Introduction

Due to the growing interest in second and foreign language education globally, L2 acquisition has become a mainstream venture. Various groups like educators, researches and psycholinguists have contributed ideas, methods and evidences in the learning and teaching of L2. Although there is no best way to facilitate L2 learners, interaction and negotiation in L2 acquisition have substantially played their part in helping to learn the target language (Dixon et. al., n.d.).

It is important to note that there is a difference between learning and acquisition especially when it comes to L2. While acquiring a language, learners should focus on 'picking up' the language instead of just knowingly learning it (Hahn, n.d.). When there is interaction between the linguistic environment and a learner's mental abilities, L2 acquisition is achieved (Glew, 1998). According to research, negotiated interaction can help learners with understanding and producing the language especially when it comes to vocabulary items. In the case of children acquiring a second language, negotiated interaction allows them to practice the target language because there are fewer opportunities for them to practice outside classrooms (Luan & Sappathy, 2011).

Discussion

Interaction in L2 Acquisition

The importance of interaction in L2 acquisition has been emphasized greatly by Applied Linguistics (Paiva, n.d.). According to theory, interactional authenticity forms the basis for language learning i.e. using a language in the same way it is used outside teaching borders. Since learners can learn a language most effectively by communication, two important factors in language acquisition are interaction and input. However, without interaction, comprehensible input cannot be provided to the language learner (Luan & Sappathy, 2011). Interaction is the medium for meaning negotiation; hence language acquisition is best aided by interaction.

In four different experiments carried out by Gass and Torres, the most positive results and improvements were noted in the experiment in which involved teaching vocabulary with interaction (Luan & Sappathy, 2011). As opposed to traditional classroom setups, interaction in L2 acquisition, enables students to work together and discover meaning hence the ability to produce the ...