What is the first stage of second language acquisition?

The first stage of second language acquisition is pre-production. At this stage, learners are just beginning to understand and develop their receptive language skills but are not yet speaking or producing language. This phase is characterized by limited verbal responses; learners may engage in non-verbal communication and can comprehend simple words and phrases. They might rely heavily on visuals and contextual clues to understand meaning but may not feel ready to express their thoughts or respond verbally.

This foundational stage is crucial as it sets the groundwork for later stages of language acquisition, such as early production, where learners start to produce simple words and sentences. By focusing on comprehension first, learners build confidence and a better grasp of the second language, preparing them to engage more actively as they progress to the next levels of speech emergence and advanced fluency.