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In Search of Input: The Case Study of a Learner of Polish as a Foreign and Second Language
Author(s) -
Neu Joyce
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.1991.tb00489.x
Subject(s) - second language acquisition , foreign language , language acquisition , psychology , natural language , linguistics , natural (archaeology) , language assessment , variable (mathematics) , comprehension approach , computer science , language education , mathematics education , artificial intelligence , mathematics , history , mathematical analysis , philosophy , archaeology
This paper addresses the role of input and interaction and attitudes and motivation on second and foreign language acquisition. Through the case study of an American English learner of Polish, the paper examines classroom instruction in the United States and the “natural” learning situation of living in the target language country. Long (26) has suggested that most research in second language acquisition addresses the direct impact of a variable on SLA, and has called for more research to investigate variables that have an indirect effect on SLA. This paper suggests that input and interaction are triggers for positive attitudes and motivation and thus are indirect, rather than direct, contributors to second and/or foreign language acquisition. Finally, the author explores the implications of input and interaction as triggers for SLA on language programs and language classrooms.