Language Acquisition:
* How: A natural process of acquiring language through exposure and interaction with native speakers. It's subconscious, like how a child learns their first language.
* What: Primarily focuses on implicit knowledge:
* Understanding grammar and syntax without explicit rules
* Developing fluency and natural intonation
* Learning vocabulary and expressions organically through context
Language Learning:
* How: A conscious, deliberate effort to learn a language through formal instruction, textbooks, or other resources. It involves studying grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and specific language structures.
* What: Emphasizes both implicit and explicit knowledge:
* Memorizing grammar rules and vocabulary lists
* Developing writing skills through practice
* Understanding the theoretical basis of language
Here's a table to summarize the key differences:
| Feature | Language Acquisition | Language Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Subconscious, natural | Conscious, deliberate |
| Focus | Implicit knowledge, fluency | Explicit knowledge, grammar rules, vocabulary |
| Method | Exposure and interaction | Formal instruction, textbooks, practice |
| Age | Primarily in childhood | Any age |
| Example | A child learning their first language | An adult taking a Spanish course |
In essence:
* Language acquisition is the natural process of learning a language through immersion and interaction, like a child learning their mother tongue.
* Language learning is the deliberate and conscious process of studying and mastering a language through formal methods.
Important Note:
Both language acquisition and language learning are crucial for language development. Even when adults learn a new language, they still rely on some aspects of acquisition to achieve natural fluency and communication.