 There exist a lot of second language learning theories that explain the method second language is learnt and which approach is the most suitable. These theories are explained briefly below:
1. The Behaviorist Theory: according to this theory the second language learning learner tries to copy what he/she hears and practices the second language continually to develop language habits. Learners try to relate their knowledge of the native language to the second language and this could lead to positive as well as negative results.
2. The Cognitive Theory: this theory exercises the learner's abilities to use his knowledge to work out in the second language on his own. Here learners constantly learn from their mistakes. But on the other hand this theory has certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that the learners not only use their cognitive skills to make assumption as for the second language but are according to the rules of the native language. Also the determination of error becomes difficult a little as it is easy to misunderstand what the person learning the second language wanted to say.
3. The Critical Period Hypothesis: due to this theory, there is always some period in the life of a person when he/she just has to learn a second language. After this period second language learning process is almost impossible. The main point of this theory is that language learning must always occur before puberty as after this period language learning becomes extremely difficult. Before puberty the brain is still in the developmental stages that is why it is so important. However this theory has some exceptions as there are people who manage to improve their second language skills and even learn a new foreign language after puberty.
4. The Natural Order Hypothesis: as per this second language learning theory the gaining of second language is the same for the native and the second language and occurs in a natural and predictable order.
It is sad to admit that there still exist people who think that learning a new language can be done not the ways it occurs.
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