TEFL Second Language Acquisition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the language system that a learner has developed at a specific point in time, which is systematic but different from both L1 and the target language?
- Pidgin
- Interlanguage (Correct answer)
- Creole
- Fossilized language
Correct answer: Interlanguage
Interlanguage, a term coined by Larry Selinker, refers to the evolving linguistic system learners create as they progress toward the target language.
Question 2: According to Krashen's Input Hypothesis, language acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to input that is:
- Below their current level (i-1)
- Exactly at their current level (i)
- Slightly above their current level (i+1) (Correct answer)
- Far above their current level (i+5)
Correct answer: Slightly above their current level (i+1)
Krashen argues that comprehensible input at 'i+1' — just beyond the learner's current competence — drives acquisition.
Question 3: What is 'fossilization' in the context of second language acquisition?
- A learner's rapid progress in pronunciation
- The permanent stabilization of non-target-like features in a learner's interlanguage (Correct answer)
- The process of memorizing grammar rules
- A method for teaching vocabulary in chunks
Correct answer: The permanent stabilization of non-target-like features in a learner's interlanguage
Fossilization occurs when certain non-native features become permanently fixed in a learner's speech even with continued exposure and instruction.
Question 4: The 'Silent Period' in SLA refers to:
- A classroom activity where students read silently
- A phase where learners comprehend input before producing output (Correct answer)
- A teacher's pause technique to encourage student responses
- The time a student spends on independent study
Correct answer: A phase where learners comprehend input before producing output
The Silent Period describes a natural phase, particularly in young learners, where they absorb language before they feel ready to speak.
Question 5: Which hypothesis states that a learned language system (conscious knowledge of rules) cannot convert into acquired language (unconscious competence)?
- The Natural Order Hypothesis
- The Affective Filter Hypothesis
- The Monitor Hypothesis (Correct answer)
- The Input Hypothesis
Correct answer: The Monitor Hypothesis
Krashen's Monitor Hypothesis holds that learned knowledge only serves to monitor or edit output; it cannot become acquired knowledge.
Question 6: Transfer errors in L2 occur because learners:
- Fail to memorize new vocabulary
- Apply L1 patterns and rules to the target language (Correct answer)
- Avoid using complex grammar structures
- Rely too heavily on gestures
Correct answer: Apply L1 patterns and rules to the target language
Transfer errors (also called interference) happen when learners apply first-language structures to the second language, resulting in non-target-like forms.
Question 7: The 'Affective Filter Hypothesis' suggests that high anxiety, low motivation, or low self-confidence can:
- Speed up language acquisition by forcing more practice
- Block comprehensible input from being acquired (Correct answer)
- Improve a learner's monitoring ability
- Increase output production
Correct answer: Block comprehensible input from being acquired
A high affective filter raises a mental block that prevents input from reaching the language acquisition device, slowing acquisition.
TEFL Second Language Acquisition 1
Which term describes the language system that a learner has developed at a specific point in time, which is systematic but different from both L1 and the target language?