The Importance Of Second Language Learning

After reading the material we have been given about second language learning and learner variables, I’ve come to the conclusion that teaching a foreign language is very complex. It’s clear, however, that some factors and learner differences are more influential than others, and that I, as a teacher, can have an influence on most of them. In my mind, one of the most important variables is the willingness of a learner. Learners cannot learn anything without willingness although there are many supportive elements are surrounding the learners. Research shows that students have to be willing in using and practicing the target language so that they are able to acquire it (August, 1987). There must be a reason why some students have high willingness than others, and teachers have to find it out. Most of the time, students do not understand the purpose of learning a language and they think it is hard for them to learn, and that
We heard about how it is easier for learners to learn the L2 if they can find similarities between the L1 and L2 (Lightbown & Spada, 2013). It helps students to learn faster but applying the background knowledge of L1 to L2. On the other side, if there are many differences between two languages, then it is difficult to learn the language especially the sounds (Chan, 2009). Another research also shows that students preferred not to try the target language if there is a huge difference between the L1 and L2 (Schachter, 1974). Therefore, L1 has both positive and negative influences to learners. As a teacher, you might not able to do much with students’ L1 background, but you can help students to find similarities between two languages. Also, be aware of some errors that happen often might also relate to the students’ L1 background. Teacher have to find out how L1 affects students and teach them how to avoid and use the disadvantage and advantage of their