Question

Skill acquisition theory states that learning a second language is similar to learning how to drive. Explain the logic behind this statement and explain why you agree/disagree with this statement.

Please write in detail (175-225 words)

Answer 1

Language is not a subject thus proving the myth such as going to the school and learning any other subjects would make one learn a language, wrong. Language is a skill such as swimming, driving or learning to play a musical instrument.

If we say that learning a language is like learning a language, it’s true in all aspects. When one learns driving, one learns the traffic rules which means rules play a major role in making one confident and driving properly, similarly, when one learns a second language, one learns the grammar rules but knowing the rules alone won’t help one use the language just like knowing to drive a car will not guarantee one drive a car in real time.

An important thing about learning a skill is that both needs a real time environment to put whatever knowledge and rules that they learnt into practice. A person who needs to put their driving skills needs a real road and other vehicles and drivers to practice their driving, similarly, a new language learner needs an environment to practice their language skills.

When one learns to drive or learns a new language, making mistake is most common and the only difference is that making mistakes while practicing a language is less costly than making mistakes while learning to drive.