Sociocultural Theory Of Second Language Acquisition

The sociocultural theory of second language acquisition has provided me with the strongest reasons for reconsidering my previous views on second language learning. Vygotsky proposed a sociocultural theory that is very influential within the field of second language learning. The focus was on the idea that all learning is primarily social. The connections between people and the sociocultural context in which they interact with one another are crucial. Through interaction in shared experiences new knowledge is obtained. This perspective emphasizes the social nature of learning and examines the complex and dynamic social interaction involved in the process of learning a second language. According to Vygotsky the cognitive and social processes in acquiring a second language are inseparable. Social interaction has a vital role in the process of cognitive development. Individuals start out in society and culture and only become individualized when they separate themselves from what is taki ng place. Learning takes place in sociocultural contexts and behavior is learned by reacting to other people. Information is gained first socially and then becomes internalized. Vygotsky thought that learning took place on two different levels. Learning took place on the first level by interacting with others and then on the second level information is internalized into the individual’s mental structure. He talks about two different functions inter-mental and intra-mental. IntermentalShow MoreRelatedSociocultural Theory And Second Language Learning902 Words   |  4 PagesSociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning â€Å"Language is the most pervasive and powerful cultural artefact that humans possess to mediate their connection to the world, to each other, and to themselves† [Lantolf Thorne 2006:201]. 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