What is second language acquisition?

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) refers to the process by which people learn a language other than their native one. This field of study examines how individuals acquire a new language, the stages they go through, and the factors that influence success, such as age, motivation, and learning environment. SLA is important in education, linguistics, and cognitive science, as it helps inform teaching methods and language policy. Researchers in SLA investigate how learners develop language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.