This weeks readings covered many different topics with each topic being separated from the other. I took my time reading each chapter because there was so much information and I wanted to make sure that I knew the material before I present it. The L&S book covers "Learner Language". The Chapter covers the many stages that second language learners go through, for example negation. The first stage of negation is simply one word (i.e. no, not) I thought that was very interesting because when I first began to learn Spanish there were many times when I simply said, "si". Also, when I was nervous or unsure of the declaration that was said to me I often said, "si" as a means of continuing the conversation. I thought this entire chapter had things that I could relate to my own second language experience. Also, the influence of the first language was covered. One thing that stuck out was the term 'avoidance'. Avoidance is something that I used once in awhile when I felt threatened by a series of words that were so different than my first language of English.
Chapter 7 of the L&S covered the many popular ideas about second language learning. I especially could appreciate the fact that the book covered many questions that I had about second language acquisition and stated the answers very matter of fact. One question that I appreciated the answer to was if and how to correct a student's mistake when speaking in his or her own target language. I realize now that I have to consider this answer based on the student's culture and act according. Also, although corrections seem to be very helpful there is a certain tact that teachers need to use when correcting their students.
Overall, I am very excited to present these topics and I hope the class will enjoy the presentation.
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I've noticed that a lot in dealing with foreigners in sales. When I worked at Best Buy, I would often see customers who spoke very little English, and I would ask very open ended questions, such as "What brings you in today?" and they would give me a weak smile, a blank stare, and then say "Yes."
Maybe it's something in our DNA.
I like the example about your learning Spanish. I remembered the first times i conversed with native speakers of English, i had difficulty listening to them and found my self saying "yeah, yeah" even though i did not really understand what they said. This is probably because "yes" is a safe word to say when you do not want to disappoint the speaker by asking "pardon" or "what" all the time.
Again learner language is one factor that deserves the attention of language teachers. I think this will be a very interesting topic to discuss, especially when many students in our class have had a lot of experience in learning a foreign language. Your presentation today will therefore go very well, i believe.
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