All of our learning in school is presented to us through language, and all of our understanding of that learning is filtered through our own concepts and understandings of culture.

Second language acquisition theory has grown from what is known about how children become fluent in their native languages in a relatively short period of time. Acquiring language is a complex process, and yet, a highly successful one for most youngsters.

Evidence tells us that children learn languages by figuring out the rules that govern that language. Non-native speakers learn a second language by engaging in a similar process.

First and second language acquisition are similar in some ways, but also different in some important other ways. Take a look at the chart on the following page.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.