What are language acquisition theories?(3)

3. Cognitive Theories

a. Information Processing Model

• Key Idea: Language learning is similar to other cognitive skills, involving attention, memory, and practice.
• Implications: Focus on automaticity (making language use unconscious) through repeated practice and meaningful input.

b. Noticing Hypothesis (Schmidt)

• Key Idea: Learners must notice specific linguistic forms in input for them to be acquired.
• Implications: Encourages explicit focus on grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation features during teaching.

c. Transfer Theory

• Key Idea: Learners transfer knowledge from their L1 to the L2, which can be positive (facilitating) or negative (interfering).
• Implications: Teachers need to anticipate and address cross-linguistic influences.

(To be continued)