Final Exam
I. Key Concepts (10 points)
Supply the term that best corresponds to each definition or description below. (1 pt each)
Bilingualism Formal Morphology Second language
learning
Competence Functional Nature vs. nurture Syntax
Crosslinguistic
influence Interlanguage Performance Unitary view
Emergentist Modular view Phonology Ultimate attainment
1. Refers to the learning of a language other than one’s first language and
sometime after learning one’s first language
2. Refers to the level of language that deals with sounds and sound systems
3. Refers to the underlying knowledge an individual has about language
4. Refers to a model of language that assumes knowledge of language is
abstract and governed by a set of rules
5. Refers to a model of language that assumes language knowledge emerges
from language use
6. Refers to a well-known debate surrounding the degree to which learning
is inherent (humans are born with it) or is shaped by the external social and
cultural environment
7. Refers to a model of cognition that sees the mind as a set of bundles or
modules that manage different types of information and skills
8. Refers to learner language, or language that is neither the first second nor
the second language
9. Refers to the end state of learning a second language
10. Refers to the influence or transfer that is observed between two or more
languages
FORL 150
Spring 2020
II. Comparison of Second Language Learning Theories (20 points)
Choose two theories or perspectives on second language learning covered in Second Language
Learning Theories (Mitchell, Myles, & Marsden, 2019) and complete the following table.
Your answers should be comprehensive and succinct. (12 pts; 6 pts each theory/perspective)
Theory/perspective How does the theory
or perspective view or
understand language?
How does language
learning occur?
What is the role of the
learner?
1.
2.
After completing the table above, answer the following questions. (8 pts; 4 pts each)
1. In what ways are the two theories or perspectives on second language learning similar? Name at
least two similarities and explain.
2. In what ways are the two theories or perspectives on second language learning different? Name at
least two differences and explain.
FORL 150
Spring 2020
III. Connecting Theory and Experience (20 points)
Based on your experience learning a second language, which theory or perspective covered in Second
Language Learning Theories (Mitchell et al., 2019) best explains how you learned that language? Write
a short essay (150-200 words) in which you explain why that theory or perspective best explains how
you learned your second language(s).