The Psychological Theories Behind Language Acquisition

This study seeks to determine the relevance of the behavioristic and cognitive approaches forEFL learners‟ acquisition of English as a foreign language (EFL). A special attention is givento learners in EFL programs at the University level. It also assesses the effectiveness of theseapproaches on student in translation program as well. One contention is that whilebehaviorist-inspired structuralist methodologies are best applicable at the beginning levels,transformationalist/cognitivist approach contributes tried methodologies to enhance thelearners‟ written and spoken skills in advanced stages. Advances in translation can beachieved through a study of the process of translation with an emphasis on a deductive ratherthan an inductive approach.

Keywords:

approaches , acquisition , skills , translation program