Language Learning - A long-term process Understanding Second Language Acquisition Learning a second language is a very long, slow process that is mentally demanding and exhausting for learners.  ELLs can usually learn conversational language within two years or so, but it takes much longer, between five and seven years or more, for ESL students to catch up with their grade-level peers in academic language.  The links below provide more information on the language learning process. • Overview of Second Language Acquisition Theory This two-page document summarizes some theoretical discussion about language learning. • Stages of Language Learning This short document outlines the five stages identified for the acquisition of a second language. • Stages of Language Development This five-minute video interviews real learners at each of the five stages of development. • Myths and Misconceptions about Second Language Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Unlearn This two-page document dispels five common misperceptions about how children learn language. • Explaining BICS and CALP This one-page document explains a fundamental distinction in second language learning between social language, which children acquire in about two years and academic language, which takes five or more years to develop.  This distinction explains why children who seem fluent still struggle in school. • How Long Does It Take? This brief article examines test results in Ontario and finds the same as everywhere else: it takes at least five years for ELLs to catch up with grade-level peers. Want more? • Stages of Language Development and Cultural Adaptation This one-page chart outlines four levels of language development in some detail according to what learners can do. • English Language Learners and Academic Language This one-hour webcast interview with a leading researcher describes the difference between social language and academic language and the importance of academic language for ELLs. © 2010 Eastern School District Information and content by Martha Trahey