Final answer:
True. English language learners acquire spoken language differently than native English speakers due to factors such as cultural immersion and instructional strategies. Native speakers typically learn language effortlessly due to biological predispositions, while non-native speakers often require active learning and cultural experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that English language learners acquire spoken language differently than native English speakers. Among other factors, the success of language learning is influenced by the degree of immersion into the language's culture (societal and cultural factors). Native speakers generally acquire language effortlessly from a young age, with a biologically determined mechanism, often referred to as a language acquisition device (LAD), posited by Noam Chomsky. For English language learners, learning is both a cognitive process and a cultural experience, often requiring conscious effort and practice. Strategies such as code-switching and bilingual education play a significant role in the language acquisition process for non-native speakers.
Findings from research, including studies by Johns Hopkins University, indicate that English language learners benefit from instruction in both their native language and English, challenging the belief that instruction should occur exclusively in English. The capacity to absorb and utilize a new language smoothly declines with age, signifying a critical period for language acquisition during early childhood. However, the principle stands that human beings are naturally language ready, capable of learning any language from birth with the right exposure.