SLA Journal Log 2

SLA Journal Entry Two

As the days pass and I continue my education of a foreign language, I have found that my pronunciation could definitely use some improvement. French is extremely different in all areas as compared to English, causing me to struggle a bit in gaining language proficiency. I do not feel like I am at my maximum potential when it comes to pronunciation, but I am certainly working towards it.

In order to improve my pronunciation of this beautiful language, there are a few steps I must take. To start, I could increase my time spent on the language learning website from thirty minutes each day to closer to an hour each day. This would allow me to spend more time not only improving my pronunciation, but working on building my vocabulary and learning correct grammar as well. On top of extra time, I could listen to videos and audio recordings of French vocabulary or conversations so I may hear additional examples of what the language is supposed to sound like when pronounced correctly. Practice is certainly a required step if I want to reach the point of my maximum potential. Along with completing lessons, I need to take time to practice each day. As I listen to lessons or other supplementary videos, I may practice speaking along with them in order to better my pronunciation skills. Along with being a hands-on-learner, I am an auditory learner as well. Increasing the amount of French I surround myself with should allow for much progress in gaining language proficiency. Seeing as how I am only nineteen years of age, I feel as though I should be able to learn a foreign language with minimal difficulty. Learning a second language is not subject to a certain time period allowing for near perfect acquisition at any age (Baker 124). It is probable for adults to have less success with correct pronunciation as compared to children which may be reason for my pronunciation difficulties (Critical Period Hypothesis). I do not think that I personally carry assumptions about language learning. I feel like anyone who is willing, is able to expand their knowledge and grow proficient in a second language.

Learning French has certainly been an intricate task. Compared to English, French is different in several ways. Pronunciation, spelling, and silent letters are among some of the biggest differences between these two languages. French words require distinct articulation in numerous areas as opposed to English words making it difficult to pronounce words correctly. Silent letters cause great confusion when it comes to spelling and pronouncing, so that is definitely tricky when learning this language. Contractions are another major difference as they are optional in English but mandatory in French. For example; C’est la vie is French for “that’s life” where c’est means “that is.” This is a classic example of a required contraction in the French language. Gender is assigned to all nouns and most pronouns in French as opposed to only personal pronouns in English which is slightly difficult to adjust to. Growing up being monolingual has definitely posed some troubles as I try to learn French, but I am overcoming these difficulties with each lesson I complete.

Though the differences between my native language and the French language are many, I believe that it is quite possible to become fluent in this language. Hard work and perseverance are all that is necessary to achieve this goal.