Overview+of+SLA+Approaches



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 * The following theories refer to Second Language Acquisition. **


 * ** Innatist- ** language learning is a natural process and innate to all people
 * ** Natural- ** students acquire a language in a predictable order
 * ** Interactionist- ** English language learners must interact with others in order to learn the language.
 * ** Communicative- ** students are given real-life situations in order to communicate
 * ** Structural- ** students analyze meaning of language through phonological units, grammatical units, grammatical operations, and lexical elements
 * ** Lexical- ** language is learned in “chunks”
 * ** Task-based- ** the teacher does not predetermine what aspect of language will be studied. The lesson is determined on what was learned through a specific task
 * ** Typological- ** language is studied through patterns exhibited in languages across the world. These patterns are called "language universals." This approach focuses on isolated aspects of language
 * **Functionalist-** more of a practical view of SLA. It emphasizes how language is utilized in communication. The functionalist approach is developed through exposure, use, interaction, and engagement in the language rather than a formal study of the language.
 * [[file:Second Language Acquisition.pdf]]



**Contact Information:**
 * Elena Heath
 * Humphreys County ESL Coordinator
 * heathe@hcss.org