Abstract:

At present it is essential to know at least one foreign language in order to succeed on the global world market. However, for some people it is quite difficult to acquire and learn another language since it is different from acquiring and learning their native language. Moreover, people acquire and learn a foreign language in different ways in terms of learner characteristics (e.g. age, personality, intelligence, motivation or beliefs) and learning conditions (e.g. settings, modified or adapted input, corrective feedback or ample time). Therefore, this poster presentation will explore the process of foreign language acquisition. Firstly, the term acquisition will be explained and contrasted with the term learning. Secondly, the presentation will discuss several theories of foreign language acquisition, such as Krashen’s monitor model, cognitive/developmental theory, connectionism or the competition model. Thirdly, basic methods of foreign language acquisition, such as communicative language learning or task-based learning will be described and demonstrated.

Keywords:

Acquisition, foreign language, methods, theories.