Factors Affecting Second Language Acquisition
  

Language is important, it begins as early as the child starts to hear and tends to speak. This is the time when he or she wants to express himself to others or to ask something to someone. But a child cannot only learn one language as he or she grows up but he or she can acquire two or more languages depending on his or her capabilities and their environment. And what are the factors that affect people's second language? Based on the observation not everyone is at the same level of proficiency in their language. You may say that those who are excellent at communicating with others are those who are knowledgeable about their language. They are someone who is creative and imaginative with a better understanding of the things around them yet who can deliver a message perfectly and comprehensibly to others. On the other hand, acquiring a second language is a personal choice for us if we want to become fluent in it.

As a mother, I want only the best for my son and I want to mold him to be a better version of himself. One thing I did was influence him to study English by stating the importance of using English to him. As we all know that English is the universal language so it is also the best language we want to acquire for our children for shaping their future. Then with my efforts, my son was motivated to watch movies and videos using the English language. So, as he continued doing it, he was learning not only to speak English but also being able to imitate the accent as well. English became my son’s second language he gained the ability to speak and understand the English language. So, motivation is one factor that influences language acquisition. If someone is motivated, they have the interest to learn a particular language and will make ways to improve themselves and to meet their goal to become an expert in this. Another that may affect learning the second language is the learning environment in a form of a home environment and school environment. At home when parents are always talking to a baby, the more the baby will learn new words and the more he or she can talk. Parents have more control over the language to be used by a child. If they prefer to speak English only then the child will also likely to speak only English. If the language used at home is a combination of the native language and the mother tongue, then a child will also speak both. If parents let their children read more books, and watch movies that use different languages then they will enrich their language and widen their vocabularies aside from the language they usually heard from people in their home. In a school environment, children are taught using not only one language, but it is also two or more depending on the school curriculum since every grade level has a different way of target learning. In school children are given more opportunities to explore their language by collaborating with their teacher, talking to classmates, and doing several activities like writing, singing, dancing, drawing, and many more where the language is used and cultivated. Another factor is the age and maturity of a child. If someone is mature, then that’s the time he or she can learn English or can acquire a new language. Not all children are equal, with the same age, there are children who can learn better than the other while others take a long time to learn the same content. Usually, the older children are more mature than the younger ones but still depends on the willingness and abilities of the child.  Sometimes their emotions help them decide whether they will learn a second language or will care less about this. The condition of our emotions enhances the speed of our learning and its quality. Mind that if we are happy and satisfied we are eager to learn more. It is favorable to any learning new things while adverse emotional condition blocks our learning. Then what adds to learning a second language is our cognitive abilities. If our learning, reading, remembering, logical reasoning, and paying attention are functioning well then it will help us to learn new things easier and faster. 

If we prefer to learn a second language, first we need to establish that notion deep inside ourselves. We should always find a reason why we need to do it and keep on finding inspiration so we will not get burned out or bored in acquiring a new language. Stay motivated and keep your emotions stable and positive so we can always be enthusiastic in developing ourselves in learning our second language. The learning process will always start within ourselves and whatever we will perceive and feel will be used to emphasize the acquisition of language. Working hard and working smart in learning the language is your doorway to becoming proficient in communication and performing your preferred language.