Paper Details

Name: Jahanavi Anand
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Vol-12, issue-2, (July-December)
Page Number: 1-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17736040

ABSTRACT
Second-language acquisition (SLA) remains a crucial area of research in linguistics and
applied linguistics. While practical strategies often dominate classroom-focused studies,
understanding the theoretical foundations of language acquisition is vital for explaining how
learners acquire a second language. This paper provides a thorough theoretical analysis of
SLA, examining the key perspectives that have shaped the field, including behaviorist,
innatist, cognitive, sociocultural, and emerging hybrid models. The study highlights the
intricate nature of language learning through a comparative lens, emphasizing the interplay
between innate abilities, cognitive processes, and social interaction. The findings suggest that
a holistic theoretical framework is the most effective means of addressing the complex issues
associated with second language acquisition and lays the groundwork for future research in
the discipline. This comprehensive approach not only enriches our understanding of how
individuals acquire new languages but also informs teaching methodologies that can be
tailored to diverse learner needs. By integrating insights from various theories, educators can
create more effective learning environments that foster both linguistic competence and
communicative confidence. Such environments encourage active engagement and
collaboration among learners, ultimately leading to improved language retention and fluency.
As research in this area continues to evolve, it will be essential to remain adaptable and
responsive to the changing dynamics of language learning.
Keywords: Second Language Acquisition (SLA); Language Learning; Behaviorism;
Innatism; Cognitive Theory; Sociocultural Theory; Hybrid Models; Linguistic Competence;
Communicative Confidence; Language Teaching Methodology.