Language Learning Theories

Abstract

Language is important for mankind. It is a tool and a medium that makes one understands another, and allows one to express his idea. Understanding among people can be done by language development process which consists of information perceiving, and transferring of thoughts and symbols. Due to human uses language to transfer their thoughts and needs, language is the most important fundamental factor for living, ability development, and wisdom development. The article titled as ‘Language Learning Theories’ was conducted to collect and present theories on learning and perceiving languages used in children and adults. Children mainly learn their mother tongue, and respectively learn foreign languages or second language. Improving of language ability is also important, regardless of whether it is local language, national language, or foreign languages.  Additionally, learning second language or foreign languages is already becoming popular at the present time. Learning new language can also lift up human’s life quality in many aspects, especially when one newly moved to new place that requires him to learn new language for communication and surviving. ‘Language Learning Theories’ explains how children learn spoken languages from being infant till being able to communicate. The article also indicates the process of new language perceiving. Thus, this work is showing the differences between the learning processes of children and adults, is pointing out that every step of learning usually goes consistently with the theories. The theories allow language learners understand language learning process which varies depending on ages. Also, learners shall understand the proper processes for people that have different ages and maturities. Furthermore, they shall realize their inner abilities. The theories also allow teachers to create a situation or condition to teach properly in order to improve students’ language skills and to interact with students. This will eventually allow students to be able to adapt the knowledge learned to study more new languages in future.