First, second and foreign language learning: how distinctive are they from one another?

Language learning is a complex domain of study which tends to vary considerably according to numerous criteria; among these, the status of the language learnt vis-a-vis the student. A student does not, obviously, learn his mother tongue, his second language and a foreign language in the same manner. In each case, his profile and environment, and accordingly, his objectives, difficulties, strategies and attitude towards language learning may also change; as a consequence, the outcome of his learning process too will vary. While the distinction between first and second language learning has been highlighted by many a researcher, the differences between first or second language learning and foreign language learning have received little or no attention from linguists. This has resulted in perceiving foreign language learning as a mere extension of the model of second language learning, thus preventing foreign language learners from being correctly identified and catered to for who they really are. Through this paper, I would strive to discuss and clearly establish the numerous distinctions between first, second and foreign language learning. In my capacity as a former language learner and a present language teacher, I would be able to support each point of distinction I present with examples I gathered from my personal experience and class observations.