Learning vs Aquisition of a Language

[Niko]

Language knowledge stems from 2 sources:

1. what is learnt
2. what is acquired

Learning is the conscious process of studying and intellectually understanding the grammar of a language.

Aquisition, on the other hand, refers to the unconscious absorption of general principles of grammar through real experiences of communication using a language. It is the basis for most first language ability and in terms of second language learning, is commonly known as "picking up a language".

In most ESL classrooms the emphasis is on learning, not acquisition. However, since no-one has ever completely described the grammar of a language much less taught it to anyone, all second language learning ability must also involve acquisition.

The most obvious incontestable example of acquisition is the ability to "pick up" a nativelike pronunciation with minimal exposure. Not all students are equally adept at acquistion, but the important point is that whilst acquisition is present to some degree in all second language ability, learning may or may not have played a major role.