First Versus Second Language Learning in Children

Reaction Paper - First versus Second Language Learning in Children
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January 26, 2023
Understanding how children learn a second language is essential, especially for educators. Accordingly, despite the flexibility of learning in one's formative years, learning a second language for children in school may be difficult for several reasons.
One of the foremost reasons for acquiring a second language is that the mechanics and environment of learning the first and second languages are most likely different from one another. Children learn their first language in a supportive and immersive environment, typically through natural, informal interactions with their caregivers and peers. In one study done by Jones-Taylor (2015), the author noted that first language usually happens in the child's early years when the brain is most plastic and receptive to new information, making it easier for the child to acquire the language.
In contrast, second language acquisition in a classroom is often more formal and structured and may provide a different level of immersion and opportunity for natural language use than the child's first language. Additionally, children may be more self-conscious and aware of their language abilities when learning a second language, making the process more challenging.
Another factor affecting second language acquisition in a classroom setting is the need for more natural and meaningful language use opportunities. Children need to use the language they are learning in real-life situations to truly acquire it. In the first language, for example, there are plenty of opportunities to practice such language, whether in the household, with peers, or in other parts of the child's immediate environment. In contrast, when children are in a classroom, th...