Language is a system of arbitrary conventionalized vocal, written, or gestural symbols that enable

members of a given community to communicate intelligibly with one another. A consolidation of a

number of possible definitions of language yields the following composite definition :

1. Language is systematic
2. Language is a set of arbitrary symbols
3. Those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual
4. The symbols have conventionalized meanings to which they refer
5. Language is used for communication
6. Language operates in a speech community or culture
7. Language is essentially human, although possibly not limited to humans
8. Language is acquired by all people in much the same way; language and language learning both have
universal characteristics.

This paper is a critical review from Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Published by Longman
in 2000. This book has 10 chapters, including :

- Chapter 1 : Language, Learning and Teaching

- Chapter 2 : First Language Acquisition
- Chapter 3 : Age and Acquisition
- Chapter 4 : Human Learning
- Chapter 5 : Styles and Strategies
- Chapter 6 : Personality Factors
- Chapter 7 : Sociocultural Factors
- Chapter 8 : Cross-Linguistic Influence and Learner Language
- Chapter 9 : Communicate Competence
- Chapter 10 : Theories of Second Language Acquisition

Chapter 1

Language learning is not a set of easy steps that can be programmed in a quick do-it-yourself kit. But, in
this chapter, the author explain the materials in detail. This makes it easier for readers to understand
about language learning.

Chapter 2

This chapter tells the readers about first language acquisition. By reading this chapter, the readers will
know that 'First Language' is acquired, not learned.
Chapter 3

This chapter tells the reader about Age and Acquisition. The author explain that first language
acquisition starts in very early childhood, while second language acquisition can happen in childhood
early or late, as well as in adulthood. It can be conclude that we can easily learn language in our young
age.

Chapter 4

In this chapter, the author focus on specifically on cognitive processes by examining the general nature
of human learning. This chapter also presented the types of learning and theories of learning in detail.

Chapter 5

This chapter deals with cognitive variations in learning a second language : variations in learning styles
that differ across individuals, and in strategies employed by individuals to attack particular problems in
particular contexts.

Chapter 6

This chapter deals with the intrinsic side of affectivity : personality factors within a person that
contribute in some way to the success of language learning. The author explain the personality factors in
human behavior and how they relate to second language acquisition.

Chapter 7

This chapter touches on another affective aspect of the communicative process : the intersection of
culture and affect. The fact that the writer included 'culture' in this chapter is a plus point, because
culture is really an integral part of the interaction between language and thought.

Chapter 8

Different from the previous chapter, this chapter deals with consideration in historical progression an
era of preoccupation with studies of contrasts between the native language and the effect of native on
target language.
Chapter 9

This chapter follow the historical development of research on applied linguistics and related second
language pedagogy. This chapter leads the readers about communicative competence, which is a aspect
of our competence that enables us to convey messages and to negotiate meanings interpersonally
within specific context.

Chapter 10

While chapter 2 deals with First Language Acquisition, this chapter deals with Theories of Second
Language Acquisition. Author's intention in this chapter is to offer the readers about information for
developing an integrated understands of the principles of second language acquisition that underlie the
pedagogical process.