Several factors ranging from individual strategies, age, motivation, aptitude, personality, motivation, cognitive style, and learning techniques of each learner play a critical role in the acquisition of second language. All the variables are considered to be interrelated and of these factors, strategies, personality and motivation play a crucial role in the processing of second language (Brown, 2000). The aim of this paper is to elaborate on how the three factors affect language learning.
Learning and communication strategies define the input processing, storage, retrieval and output defines how individuals express meaning and delivers messages to others. Second language learning strategies, tactics, techniques and behavior facilitate language learning process. An understanding that learners do not have similar language learning strategies is imperative and concerns such as language proficiency, length of time taken to train learners and language learning strategies can affect language learning.
An individual`s personality traits is deemed to have a direct and indirect impact on second language learning. Their impact works in conjunction with motivation and the cognitive oriented factors in their influence on the learning process. Personality defines the kind of motivation that learners bring to the language learning. In addition, beliefs, personal values and attitudes related to learning and the kind of relationship between the teachers and learners affect the learning process. A learner`s personality and motivational factors define the affective side of a learner`s style of learning.
In conclusion, learning a second language is an empowering experience and an understanding of my learning style has played a crucial role in improving my self-confidence and achievement. However, combinations of the various factors of strategy, personality and motivation have helped expand my learning style since they have empowered me to learn within varying learning situations. In addition, they have helped in strengthening of my weak areas in learning second language.
References
Brown, H. D. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching. White Plains, NY:
Longman.
