NOTES
Tentative and ambiguous have similar definitions, but different meanings. Something that is ambiguous is uncertain because there is more than one way of interpreting it. For example, "She gave him an ambiguous smile." Something tentative is not certain because there is not enough reliable or accurate information to make it certain. For example, "He took tentative steps into the the water."
COMPREHENSION CHECK
| 1. F-1 | 4. F-7 | 7. T-6 | 10. F-8 | 13. F-10 |
| 2. F-2 | 5. T-5 | 8. F-7 | 11. T-7 | 14. T-11 |
| 3. T-4 | 6. T-9 | 9. F-8 | 12. T-10 | 15. F-12 |
MORE QUESTIONS
1. Omaggio why most people acquire their first language easily, yet have difficulty learning a second language. Why do you think this is the case?
2. Omaggio notes that successful language learners try to think in that language as soon as possible. How often do you use English without translating from your native tongue? Describe a situation in which you were successful doing this.
3. Although researchers want to determine the personality traits of successful language learners, their results are tentative. In your opinion, does a person's personality (e.g. outgoing/talkative or thoughtful/good listener) influence his or her ability to learn a second language? If yes, how or why do you think this happens?
4. Unit 1D approaches language acquisition as a scientific study. Information sources include interviews, direct observations, experiments, insights, theories, etc. Can you think of a less methodical way of viewing language learning?