Abstract

This study delves into the analysis of theories of language acquisition and teaching methods. A qualitative approach was used to analyze three language acquisition theories and five teaching methods to help and provide teachers with methods that are relevant and applicable in developing and enhancing the speaking skills of the students. Findings revealed that grammatical skill is not the focus of Second Language Acquisition. It is concluded that language learning and acquisition are dynamic activities requiring social, cultural, and cognitive competencies on the part of the teacher. The teaching of language is most effective and productive when the learners are actively engaged in authentic tasks that are conducted in a natural and spontaneous manner to enable learners to gain a total psycho-socio-cultural-linguistic experience. Learner-centeredness is a universal theme and the teacher-learner relationship is a cooperative and collaborative partnership for relevant and functional language competence. Suggestions and recommendations for future studies were proposed.

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