TMN3701
Assessment: 2
Due date: 9 May 2024
Unique number:
781160
Total marks: 100%
QUESTION 1
1.1. Discuss the critical period hypothesis
and indicate whether it has any relevance
to language acquisition and language
learning. Substantiate your answer. (10)
1.2. Explain how the concept of “language
transfer” relates to the role of the first
language in additional language teaching
according to Cummins (1980). Describe
how you would identify opportunities for
“language transfer” in additional language
teaching. (10)
1.3. Learning unit 4 discusses the
principles of teaching. Select five
principles and explain how you would use
them in the classroom. (10)
100% TRUSTED AND RELIABLE ANSWERS
, Module name and code: TMN3701
Assessment number: 2
Due date: 9 May 2024
Total marks: 100
Unique number: 781160
QUESTION 1
1.1. The critical period hypothesis is a theory that suggests there is a limited window of time during
which an individual can acquire certain skills or knowledge. The most well-known application of this
hypothesis is in relation to language acquisition, where it posits that there is a specific period in early
childhood during which individuals are most capable of acquiring a first language.
There is some evidence to support the critical period hypothesis in language acquisition. Research
has shown that children who are exposed to a second language before the age of 7 tend to achieve
native-like proficiency, while those who are exposed to a second language after this critical period
may struggle to reach the same level of fluency. This suggests that there is a biological basis for
language acquisition and that there may be a limited window of opportunity for optimal language
learning.
However, the critical period hypothesis has also been widely debated and criticized. Some
researchers argue that individual differences, motivation, and environmental factors play a
significant role in language acquisition, and that the critical period hypothesis oversimplifies the
complex process of language learning. Additionally, there are many cases of individuals who have
successfully acquired a second language well beyond the supposed critical period, further
challenging the hypothesis.
In the context of language learning, the relevance of the critical period hypothesis is also debatable.
While it may explain why individuals who start learning a second language in adulthood may struggle
to achieve native-like fluency, it does not mean that it is impossible for them to become proficient in
a second language. Factors such as motivation, exposure, and the quality of language instruction
play a significant role in language learning, and individuals can still achieve high levels of proficiency
in a second language even if they start learning it later in life.
Assessment: 2
Due date: 9 May 2024
Unique number:
781160
Total marks: 100%
QUESTION 1
1.1. Discuss the critical period hypothesis
and indicate whether it has any relevance
to language acquisition and language
learning. Substantiate your answer. (10)
1.2. Explain how the concept of “language
transfer” relates to the role of the first
language in additional language teaching
according to Cummins (1980). Describe
how you would identify opportunities for
“language transfer” in additional language
teaching. (10)
1.3. Learning unit 4 discusses the
principles of teaching. Select five
principles and explain how you would use
them in the classroom. (10)
100% TRUSTED AND RELIABLE ANSWERS
, Module name and code: TMN3701
Assessment number: 2
Due date: 9 May 2024
Total marks: 100
Unique number: 781160
QUESTION 1
1.1. The critical period hypothesis is a theory that suggests there is a limited window of time during
which an individual can acquire certain skills or knowledge. The most well-known application of this
hypothesis is in relation to language acquisition, where it posits that there is a specific period in early
childhood during which individuals are most capable of acquiring a first language.
There is some evidence to support the critical period hypothesis in language acquisition. Research
has shown that children who are exposed to a second language before the age of 7 tend to achieve
native-like proficiency, while those who are exposed to a second language after this critical period
may struggle to reach the same level of fluency. This suggests that there is a biological basis for
language acquisition and that there may be a limited window of opportunity for optimal language
learning.
However, the critical period hypothesis has also been widely debated and criticized. Some
researchers argue that individual differences, motivation, and environmental factors play a
significant role in language acquisition, and that the critical period hypothesis oversimplifies the
complex process of language learning. Additionally, there are many cases of individuals who have
successfully acquired a second language well beyond the supposed critical period, further
challenging the hypothesis.
In the context of language learning, the relevance of the critical period hypothesis is also debatable.
While it may explain why individuals who start learning a second language in adulthood may struggle
to achieve native-like fluency, it does not mean that it is impossible for them to become proficient in
a second language. Factors such as motivation, exposure, and the quality of language instruction
play a significant role in language learning, and individuals can still achieve high levels of proficiency
in a second language even if they start learning it later in life.
