Cognitive strategies “enable learners to figure out how the new language is structured, to interpret meanings in it, and to begin expressing themselves using it” (Fillmore, 1976, p. 633). Social strategies involve “ways to receive input on which to base the language learning and making efficient use of the social setting in which language is used as an aid in that learning” (p. 633). Fillmore expressed these strategies as maxims to guide second language learners’ cognitive and social participation. We have added recommendations for how teachers can support these activities.
One: |
“Assume that what people are saying is directly relevant to the situation at hand or to what they or you are experiencing. Metastrategy: guess” (p. 634).
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Two: |
“Get some expressions you understand and start talking” (p. 639).
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Three: |
“Look for recurring parts in the formulas you know” (p. 644).
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Four: |
“Make the most of what you’ve got” (p. 649).
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Five: |
“Work on the big things; save the details for later” (p. 655).
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One: |
“Join a group and act as if you understand what’s going on, even if you don’t” (p. 667).
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Two: |
“Give the impression—with a few well-chosen words—that you can speak the language” (p. 669).
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Three: |
“Count on your friends for help” (p. 688).
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Fillmore, L. W. (1976). The second time around: Cognitive and social strategies in second language acquisition. (Doctoral dissertation, Stanford University, 1976). Dissertation Abstracts International, 37(10), 6443A.
Adapted with permission from:
Teemant, A. & Pinnegar, S. (2007). Understanding Langauge Acquisition Instructional Guide. Brigham Young University-Public School Partnership.
Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Brigham Young University
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