1. Language Learned After Infancy:
This is the most common interpretation. "Acquired language" refers to any language learned after the critical period of early childhood. This typically encompasses languages learned after the age of 5 or 6, and it includes:
* Second languages: Languages learned after a first language is already established.
* Foreign languages: Languages learned in a different cultural context than the learner's native language.
* Sign languages: Visual languages used by deaf communities, learned later in life.
2. Language Learned Through Formal Instruction:
"Acquired language" can sometimes refer specifically to language learned through formal education, such as:
* Classroom learning: Learning a language in school or a language course.
* Textbook study: Learning from grammar books, dictionaries, and other resources.
3. Language Learned Through Experience:
Less commonly, "acquired language" might refer to language learned through everyday exposure and interaction, as opposed to formal instruction. This can include:
* Immersion: Learning a language by living in a community where it is spoken.
* Informal practice: Learning a language through conversations, movies, music, etc.
It's important to note that the distinction between "acquired language" and "native language" is not always clear-cut. Individuals who learn a language very early in life, especially before the age of 5, may achieve a level of fluency and proficiency comparable to native speakers.
To understand the specific meaning of "acquired language" in any given context, consider the surrounding information and the intent of the speaker or writer.