Abstract
The purpose is to discuss “conditions for learning a second language,” or “L2 learning conditions.” Language is viewed as: (a) systematic, generative, and used for communication; (b) a set of arbitrary symbols (primarily vocal but also may be visual) that have conventionalized meanings; (c) used in a speech community or culture; and (d) acquired by all people in certain universal ways though with minor variations (Brown, 1994a, p. 5). L2 learning refers to the learning of another language once a first language (L1) has been learned (Spolsky, 1988). Learning conditions are the factors, either internal or external, influencing learning (Spolsky, 1988). Thus, L2 learning conditions are the inner or outer influences on the conscious, active gaining of communication capacities in a post-L1 language.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Brown, H.D.: 1994a, Principles of Language Learning and Teaching, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Brown, H.D.: 1994b, Teaching by Principles. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Byrnes, H., Larson, J., Met, M., Osgood, J., Oxford, R. & Phillips, L: 1992, Curriculum Handbook — Section 7: Second Language Learning Principles. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria, VA, 7.1–7.60.
Cohen, A.D.: 1990, Language Learning: Insights for Learners, Teachers, and Researchers. Heinle & Heinle, Boston.
Crookes, G. & Schmidt, R.: 1991, ‘Motivation: reopening the research agenda,’ Language Learning 41, 469–512.
Dornyei, Z.: 1990, ‘Conceptualizing motivation in foreign-language learning,’ Language Learning 40, 45–78.
Dornyei, Z.: 1994, ‘Motivation and motivating in the foreign language classroom,’ Modern Language Journal 78, 273–284.
Ehrman, M.: 1996, Understanding Second Language Learning Difficulties, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Ellis, R.: 1985, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Gagné, R.: 1977, The Conditions of Learning, 3rd ed., Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, New York.
Gardner, R.C. 1985. Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitudes and Motivation, Edward Arnold, London, UK.
Jackendorff, R.: 1983, Semantics and Cognition, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA.
Lightbown, P. & Spada, N.: 1993, How Languages Are Learned, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
MacIntyre, P.: 1995, ‘On seeing the forest and the trees: A rejoinder to sparks and Ganschow,’ Modern Language Journal 79, 245–248.
O’Malley, J.M., & Chamot, A.U.: 1990, Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
Oxford, R.L.: 1996a, Language Learning Motivation: Pathways to the New Century, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
Oxford, R.L. (ed.): 1996b, Language Learning Strategies Around the World: Crosscultural Perspectives, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
Reid, J. (ed.): 1995, Learning Styles in the ESLIEFL Classroom, Heinle & Heinle, Boston.
Scarcella, R. & Oxford, R.L.: 1992, The Tapestry of Language Learning: The Individual in the Communicative Classroom, Heinle & Heinle, Boston.
Sparks, R.L. & Ganschow, L.: 1991, ‘Foreign language learning differences: Affective or native language aptitude differences?,’ Modern Language Journal 75, 3–16.
Spolsky, B.: 1988, Conditions for Second Language Learning, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Strevens, P.: 1985, ‘Language learning and language teaching: Towards an integrated theory,’ Forum lecture, LSA-TESOL Institute.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1997 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Oxford, R.L. (1997). Conditions for Second Language (L2) Learning. In: Tucker, G.R., Corson, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Encyclopedia of Language and Education, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4419-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4419-3_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-0-7923-4931-0
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-4419-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive