Differences between Second Language Learning and First Language Acquisition

This paper explores the differences between the first language acquisition and the second language learning and its limitations. According to Krashen, first language (L1) acquisition is the process of natural assimilation, whereas learning a second language (L2) is a conscious one. Acquiring a second language can be a lifelong learning process for many as the second language learners are rarely successful. However, children by around the age of 5 have more or less mastered their first language with the exception of vocabulary and a few grammatical structures. First language can be an impediment or an aid depending on the methodology the teacher uses and the seriousness with which the teacher follows the method to teach the second language. This paper also discusses a few language teaching methods and techniques that may impart insights to the teachers to adopt various methods in the classroom to enable the learners' master competency in the target language. It suggests that, the language teachers need to break the traditional classroom environment and make the second language teaching very innovative, interactive and interesting for the learners to acquire proficiency in L2 as learning of L2 is the outcome of relentless effort and practice in real context.