Second Language Acquisition: Real Life Learning versus Classroom Teaching

Abstract

Language is considered as the most mysterious yet greatest invention of mankind upon which the whole of civilizations rest upon. It is often misunderstood only as a tool of communication which is a conceptual metaphor which effaces the real purpose of language, that is to sketch the interiority of human mind and language is the only way to do that. Thereby language learning is a valuable endeavour that aids not just communicative purposes but also the expression of human mind. Moreover, in the modern scenario acquisition of language has become an important skill for the principal development of an individual. There arises the importance of second language procurement that also yields in providing competitive edge in career choices and improve memory and skills. According to Stephen Krashen’s acquisition learning hypothesis, this second language acquisition occurs through two independent systems: “Acquired system” and “learned system.” And this paper tries to assert the supremacy of acquired system over the learned system, where an individual acquires language more from life rather than from the classroom. This assertion is validated through a comparative survey conducted among classroom learners and acquired ones. The paper also attempts to show the comprehensive language learning method which is more practical based and skill focused.