Speech Emergence Stage

Definition

The speech emergence stage is a phase in second language acquisition where learners start to produce simple sentences and communicate more effectively in their new language. During this stage, learners typically have a vocabulary of about 1,000 words and can begin to express thoughts and ideas, although their speech may still contain grammatical errors and limited complexity. This stage reflects a significant increase in language proficiency compared to earlier stages, as students become more confident in using the language in context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Learners in the speech emergence stage can often engage in basic conversations, ask questions, and provide simple responses.
2. This stage usually occurs about 1 to 3 years after beginning formal instruction in the new language.
3. While learners start to use longer sentences during this stage, their vocabulary may still be limited and influenced by the contexts they are familiar with.
4. Errors in grammar and pronunciation are common during this stage, but they do not hinder overall communication significantly.
5. Teachers can support learners by providing opportunities for meaningful interaction and encouraging them to express their thoughts without fear of making mistakes.

Review Questions

• What are the key characteristics of the speech emergence stage in second language acquisition?
  • The speech emergence stage is marked by learners beginning to form simple sentences and engage in basic conversations. They typically have a vocabulary of around 1,000 words and can communicate their thoughts more effectively, although their sentences may contain errors. This phase shows a notable improvement from the previous stages, as students gain confidence in using the language contextually and start to understand grammatical structures better.
• Discuss the importance of comprehensible input during the speech emergence stage of language learning.
  • Comprehensible input is crucial during the speech emergence stage because it helps learners understand language that is slightly above their current proficiency level. By interacting with materials or speakers that provide this input, learners can connect new vocabulary and structures to their existing knowledge. This exposure supports their development by allowing them to experiment with the language while reducing frustration from not understanding fully.
• Evaluate how the speech emergence stage impacts a learner's transition to higher levels of language proficiency.
  • The speech emergence stage plays a pivotal role in transitioning learners to higher levels of proficiency because it serves as a bridge between basic communication and more complex language use. As learners practice forming sentences and engaging in dialogue, they build the confidence needed to tackle more challenging linguistic tasks. This stage also encourages learners to develop an interlanguage system, allowing them to refine their grammar and vocabulary as they progress toward fluency.

Related terms

Comprehensible Input: The concept that learners acquire language best when they understand language input that is slightly beyond their current level of proficiency.

Interlanguage: A transitional language system that learners create as they progress towards full proficiency in a second language, characterized by unique grammatical structures and vocabulary.

Language Proficiency Levels: The various stages of ability that a language learner progresses through, often categorized into beginner, intermediate, advanced, and proficient levels.