Stages of Learning a New Language / Stage III

Stage III: Speech Emergence

In this stage the students have developed a vocabulary of about 3000 words and can begin to communicate with simple phrases and short sentences. They may ask simple questions that may or may not be grammatically correct. The student can understand simple stories supported by pictures. They can begin to read short texts and stories by sounding out the words phonetically. The students can fill in blanks in sentences usually choosing the correct word or words. They can begin to match vocabulary words with definitions. Flash cards are helpful with learning vocabulary. The students can understand instructions and simple two-step directions. Students can begin to write about topics that interest them and should be encouraged to do so regularly, proceeding at their own level and pace. This is a good way for them to express their thoughts and ideas and use the language in a way that is fun. 

Stages of Learning a New Language (Stage II)

Stages of Learning a New Language

Stage II: Early Production

In the early production stage the student has learned about 1000 words and will begin to develop a receptive and active vocabulary. This stage can last up to 6 months. The students can use short language chunks or speak in one or two word phrases. They have memorized words and may not always use them correctly.

Some of the ways to work with students in this phase is to ask simple yes/no and either/or questions. It is also important to accept a students one or two word answer so as to encourage the use of the language. Participating and usage of the words known is an important part of this stage of learning a new language. The usage of pictures and focusing on using visuals are still very helpful to continue building vocabulary. Encouraging the usage of the vocabulary (even if used wrong) is very important during this stage. 

How Important is it to be at Least Bilingual in Todays World?

Speaking to a bilingual friend who is in her early twenties, I asked her why she thought is was important for her to be bilingual. Her answer was... "It not only introduces me to other cultures I might otherwise not learn about, but it has been an important bonus in job searching for me; not to mention the great advantages I have when I travel." 
I am surprised to see the lack of interest in the community about having bilingual citizens. I always tell my students: you are not competing with the guy next door; you are competing with the guy in India, South America, Asia, or Europe. So, why we are not pushing for bilingual education as parents? Why do we wait till our children are in high school for them to take the two years required to graduate? The earlier a child is introduced to another language the better. The high school years can build on the earlier exposure allowing for practice and further learning instead of beginning from scratch in their teens. As parents we need to expose our children at an early age to languages other than their native tongue. The advantages are tremendous and our children will be the ones who benefit from knowing another language. 

Stages of Learning a New Language

There are 5 Stages in the learning of a second language. In my next few blogs I will expand on these stages so you can understand each one. Of course there will be slight variations in each students way of learning. These are just some guidelines for you to understand the acquisition of a second language and its stages. Also please note that the length of time each student spends on a particular stage may vary. 

Stage 1: Pre-Production (also known as the Silent Stage)

 During this period the student is mainly silent. This does not mean they do not parrot the words, or have the ability repeat everything you say,  only that they are learning and storing the vocabulary. Students may have up to a 500 word vocabulary during this stage but they are not yet speaking the new language. 

The student listens attentively, responds to visuals and pictures, and can understand and duplicate gestures. During this stage the teacher focuses on building vocabulary. Much repetition is necessary at this stage.  

A great benefit of this stage would be a buddy or friend with whom to practice or to speak with to encourage them to listen to and practice the vocabulary they are storing. 

True Story

A friend of mine spoke two languages to her daughter after her birth, Spanish and English. When her daughter was one and a half years old she was concerned because she didn't seem to be speaking as much as she most babies at this age and just pointed at things instead of asking for them with words. She spoke with her pediatrician about her concerns. The doctor explained to her that  her baby was just listening and learning and as long as there were no physical problems (which there were not) then she should just be patient and her daughter would speak when she was ready. A few months later the little girl started speaking in complete sentences in both languages! It was amazing to her mom who was expecting her to say a word here or there. This is a good example of the way a child learns to speak a language.

Teaching and Learning at the Same Time

Having a great inward disposition helps tremendously towards learning, even more so than outward circumstances. We think about learning at times as being in a certain place or in a certain atmosphere, yet we limit ourselves when we do that. Each and every day brings us a new experience and so many different ways to learn, if we just take the opportunities that arise. We can practice language skills in so many different ways.

I have a friend who has been teaching his 5 year old son to speak Spanish. He began about a year ago. Now, you may think that is because he can speak Spanish himself, but he can not. He is learning Spanish along with his son. He takes the time to look up certain words and phrases and then uses them with his son throughout the day. In the kitchen he may ask his son what he would like to drink. "Que quieres tomar?" At bed time he may ask his son if he wants to read a book. "Quieres leer un libro?" (he also reads books in Spanish to him) and then he teaches his son to respond in Spanish. Instead of just one word answers, he teaches him how to respond in the full sentence. So instead of just answering milk, or "leche" he tells his son to say "Yo quiero leche."

I spent one afternoon just recently in their home with them and was amazed at how much Spanish the little boy had picked up. I was also amazed at how much the Dad had learned since he began his experiment to see if he could teach and learn at the same time, and the best part of all was that his wife and their daughter who is 8 years old have both picked up so much Spanish just from listening to the father speak to his son, that they both are answering questions and asking questions in Spanish now too. It really is amazing how much we can learn if we take each opportunity to do so.

Language is Culture in Motion

Language can be used as a tool for overcoming powerlessness. It can also be a social gift.  If we are committed to helping children learn to communicate with each other they will grow to become adults adept at negotiating peace, goodwill, and learn to be people who will care for the survival of our globe as a whole. Learning to speak another's language can mean reaching out to others across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Language is more than just a system to be explained, it is one of the most important links to the world and its people. Language is not only culture in motion, it is also the beauty of sharing. People interacting with people makes for a respectful human community allowed to see life through each others eyes.