Second language

A second language (L2 ) is a language that can a person besides the mother tongue (L1 ) speak. Second language ( also L2) to separate from the concept of a foreign language. There is talk of a second language, if the L2 is essential for everyday use because it is such as the language of the country in which the speaker lives, or because a parent speaks only that language. If this is not the case, refers to the L2 as a foreign language.

The need for the acquisition of a second language is particularly evident in children and adolescents with a migration background, as in the family of origin often only the mother tongue, the language of the host country, however, is not spoken or only rudimentary. In some cultures, such as in the United States, it is the rule that migrant children conversely better learn the local language as their mother tongue. If both languages ​​are controlled only insufficient, this is called "double semilingualism ".

Also in bilingual regions, such as South Tyrol, the learning of a second language is an integral part of school lessons, see also bilingualism exam.

In Germany, the situation is such that, in the context of which came into force on 1 January 2005 Immigration Act, the integration of migrants should be improved. Integration courses are intended to provide a knowledge of the German language in the sense of a second language in addition to other content.

Definition of a prototypical second language according to sociolinguistic criteria

The prototypical second language is distinguished by the fact that she was in contrast to the first language learned later, both passively uncontrolled, as well as actively participate controlled. Reading and listening comprehension are fully formed, the writing skill is fully formed, but may have fewer stylistic register. The language proficiency has in relation to that of Erstsprachlern less stylistic register. The receptive competence is assessed by second-language learning itself as high, the productive competence, however, as deficient. The second language is rarely used for communication, depending on the communication situation. It is expanded, standardized and respect communicative reach less limited than the first language. Prestige depends on the situation. The speakers identify themselves usually not with the second language, which is for them functionality and distance.

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