(SLA) INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN L2 ACQUISITION

Name    : Safitri Dyah Utami

NIM       : 2201411058

Class      : 103-104

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN L2 ACQUISITION

Affective factors can influence the degree of anxiety they experience and their preparedness to take risk in learning and using L2. Language aptitude and motivation are the general factors that influence the rate and level of L2 achievement.

1.       Language Aptitude

It is an ability related to general intelligence (to which they possess a natural ability for learning an L2) but also to be in part distinct. The components of language aptitude:

·         Phonemic coding ability                : the ability to handle sound-symbol relationship in foreign languages. For example, to identify the sound which ‘th’ stands for.

·         Grammatical sensitivity : the ability to recognize the grammatical functions words in sentences. For example, distinguishing the subject and object from a sentence.

·         Inductive language learning ability: the ability to identify patterns of correspondence and relations between form and meaning. For example, to distinguish the different function between ‘to’ and ‘at’.

·         Rote learning ability        : the ability to form and remember associations between stimuli.

Language aptitude is related to success in L2 learning. Different components of language aptitude may be implicated in different stages of processing.

2.       Motivation

It related to both attitudes and affective states that influence the degree of effort that learners make to learn an L2. It is dynamic in nature; it varies from one moment to the next depending on the learning context or task.

·         Instrumental motivation               : The major force determining success in L2 learning (related to functional reasons).

·         Integrative motivation                   : A motivation related to the interest in the people and culture represented by the target language group.

·         Resultative motivation                  : A motivation related to the result of learning.

·         Intrinsic motivation                         : A motivation which involves the arousal and maintenance of curiosity and can ebb and flow as a result of such factors.

3.       Learning strategies

Learning strategies affect the nature and the frequency of the learners. Learning strategies are particular approach or techniques which the learners use to learn L2.  It can be behavioural or mental.

·         Cognitive strategies

·         Metacognitive strategies

·         Social/affective strategies

Strategies which involve formal practice contribute to the development of the linguistic competence. Strategies which involve functional practice aid the communicative skills.