Question

Some theorists believe that the way a second language is acquired may account for differences in linguistic representation. Whereas early language acquisition tends to be informal (picked up by living in a place that uses a new language), late language acquisition tends to be formal (learned in a classroom environment). How might you conduct an experiment to determine whether formal training influences the way second languages are represented in the brain? What would you predict for the results of your experiment?

Answer 1

Some theorists believe that the way a second language is acquired may account for differences in linguistic representation. Whereas early language acquisition tends to be informal (picked up by living in a place that uses a new language), late language acquisition tends to be formal (learned in a classroom environment).

Earlier, it used to be thought that language acquisition that could be done in the earlier days is way better as compared to language acquisition that is done in the older days. Though, with current research, it has been shown that with appropriate training second language acquisition can be made comparable to the naive language. This is because they rely on the brain mechanisms that are employed while learning the native language. When language acquisition occurs in this mode, it has an extensive impact on learning. It has been observed that explicit training has shown significant neural activity and has shown high proficiency levels.

How might you conduct an experiment to determine whether formal training influences the way second languages are represented in the brain?

In order to conduct an experiment to determine if formal training could influence the way second language acquisition occurs there can be two groups made, with the same language proficiency, one group has to be made that would not get an organised formal training about the second language and would only get 1-2 hours of light training on the second language. Whereas, the other group would require regular training along with tests at everyday basis. At the end of seven days, the language acquisition of both the groups can be tested.

Expected result would be better language acquisition in the group obtaining proper training and lesser language acquisition in the group that has not received formal training.