second-language acquisition
nounUK /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/
US /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌækwəˈzɪʃn/
Learning a new language after you already know one.
Second-language acquisition takes time, so be patient with yourself.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The study of how people learn languages other than their first.
She is researching second-language acquisition in young children.
3. The process of gaining skills in a language used in school or work.
His second-language acquisition improved after he moved abroad.
4. A field of linguistics focused on learners and teaching methods.
The conference covered second-language acquisition and classroom practice.