should second language to be introduce the same way as first language?

Question

should we learn second language the similar way we learn our first language?how to introduce the language effectively?

Answer 1

The best way to learn any language is through immersion. Young children learn their first language (and second if the home is bilingual) first by listening to the language, then they try to imitate it. I had a friend who spoke Spanish as a second language (she now lives in Spain), that when she was learning Spanish, she wasn't truely able to speak it until she learned how to think in the language. Trying to think in the first language and then translate it into the second language was very hindering. Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

As a retired ESL, TESL (teaching English as a Second Language), TEC (teaching English to Children) teacher I have the following suggestions. First of all, there are 4 skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Babies learning their first language, spend a lot of time listening before they begin to speak, so the first skill they develop, without which there would be nothing to model speech on is listening. Next comes speaking and children generally will spend the next 3/4 years just speaking. Reading is the next skill and writing is the last skill they develop. Now, let's clear up one very important distinction. ESL is learning English as a 2nd language in a country where English is the national language and once students leave their ESL classroom can hear and practice English all around them. EFL, on the other hand is learning English as a foreign language, in countries where the main language is other than English. Once the students leave the classroom, they do not hear English, so their time learning and practicing is extremely limited. Unfortunately, when students are in an EFL situation, the 4 skills are completely reversed, where they start with writing, followed by reading, speaking next and last is listening. This is why most second language learners have trouble understanding what is being said to them. In other words, do you build a house starting with a foundation or do you build a house beginning with the roof? Having said that, for children it makes sense to teach them as a native English speaking baby would learn(start with listening to songs, play games..) Adults however, should be taught using ALL the skills as much as possible with listening and speaking being emphasized, followed closely by reading. Writing, should not be neglected, but it should be simple and de-emphasized. Remind adult students, that the ONLY purpose of learning a language is for communication with others so fluency (speaking with errors) is more important than accuracy (correctness). It's more fun driving a car than being only a mechanic who doesn't know how to drive.

Answer 3

I came from a trillingual family and I was introduced these languages by my parents since I was born. I have learned spanish at school. I am peruvian living in the USA. My husband is English and we both talk to our baby in our own language. He knows when mammy talks and knows when his dad talks to him. I think for his short age, just 11 months 1/2, he understand both languages very well. They say it takes time to talk for them, but I am sure if both parentes keep teaching their language is the best way to have a fluent billingual person. Are you from billingual parents?
The other way is, to keep one language at home and have the kids learn at school the other one. How old are you? if you want to learn another language, you should start like the school kids, with basics phrases and little things to start with. Good Luck!

Answer 4

When parents are bi-lingual thats how they teach thier children. Teaching both languages at the same time gives children a good base in both languages.

Answer 5

provided that the students already have embraced and grasped their first language, every word or phrase must convey an intention. that is make sure your students understand your intention. they may lack the words or phonetic sounds but your intentions should be real clear. and for that you must really prepared your class. technology can come pretty handy (i use youtube a lot ). and most of all, ENJOY the interaction .

Answer 6

im from UAE and english is considerd a secound language but its taught from first grade in public schools and from kindergarten in private schools, and i think that its usful to be able to speak in more than one language.