A Reflection on the “The Role of Consciousness in Second Language Learning”

Consciousness and language are intertwined. Although consciousness as I have read in the paper is
vague and its vagueness results to misconceptions and biases. The skeptical point of view was employed
by the author due to long, arduous and unending debate on consciousness. One of the topics of the debate
is the demarcation line between consciousness and the subconscious. One of presented that there is no
difference and the other claiming there is. I for one agrees that there is the difference between consciousness
and the subconscious. As a proof, I am writing the words consciously but I am subconsciously following
the following the engraved grammatical rules in my mind as thought by my teachers. I will be only
conscious of the grammatical rules during the proofreading of this reflection paper.
The stand of the author may be skeptical since there is no proof nor there is a way in reaching and
studying the consciousness of any person. We will never know what the other person is thinking and more
so it is beyond impossible to know what is the content of the other person’s subconscious mind. The word
introspection came up but it was rebuke. Introspection according to the article mostly subjective which I
agree since it will only be based on one’s personal answer. Thus the result of introspection may be biased.
However, the author of the article put into perspective the importance of consciousness in learning
the second language. He began by determining of defining what he meant when he say consciousness. He
enumerated what I think are levels or should I say functions of consciousness in particular functions for
learning the second language. These levels are perception, noticing and understanding. These levels were
taken for the same meaning of the word. Perception is the internal representation. Noticing as it was stated
may be difficulty to describe. Since it can lead to unconsciously noticing something or consciously noticing
something. It is a question of intentionality in my opinion, that is you intended to find or notice something
and the other without any intention you notice something. Level 3 is understanding which is higher level
than perception and noticing. Since it includes analysis or some call it thinking.
Noticing is key factor in the article. Because it can be about conscious and subconscious. Which
will lead to conscious learning and subconscious learning. To put it simply it is about awareness. In my
experience there are moments when I put my utmost effort to learn the nuances of English grammar. Effort
refers to the active and continuous intention to learn. This effort is manifested through series of
memorization of rules, comprehension and application of the grammatical rules. This happens in a
classroom setting wherein the awareness is increase in the feedback given by teachers- their praise or not
so good comments on my answers. It is these moments; I say I am consciously learning English as a second
language. Thus, consciousness as awareness as in putting all effort to learn the second language is
important.
However, the subconscious mind or as it was said in the article that which is not intended, nor there
is a conscious effort in learning or acquisition of the second language. For me this is true, there experiences
in my life where I learn somethings in English that I was not aware until I have used or recall the experience
that I had. One common example is when watching movies. I watch movies not to learn Englisha as second
language but to be entertained. Since movies are a gateway to the imaginary world a temporary escape from
reality. In short, I don’t consciously analyzed syntax and other parts of linguistics when I watch movies, I
enjoy. But surprisingly, I get to use some new words correctly. It was unintentional but subconsciously I
learned without putting any effort at all.
Another example is talking. You see when you talk to the other persons using English as second
language you are learning subconsciously or you are not aware of the rules, not analyzing if the verb is
singular or plural, not determining where my sentences should end. Not minding what transitional devices
to use. However, you become more fluent and with lesser grammatical errors. Although from talking you
may develop of repeating the same mistakes that will become a habit if not corrected.
From the conscious and subconscious experiences, in my opinion, teaching or learning English as
the second language should be on and off the classroom setting. Meaning going beyond the box. In my
conscious learning of English as a second language my recollection tells me that mostly it is done inside
the classroom. Most of the times these lessons are repetitions and sadly most of the times these learnings
are easily forgotten since they are not practiced. Thus they are not engraved in the subconscious. Which
may result into less effective acquisition of English as a second language. I think the strategies that should
be employed nowadays, must allow the students to learn English even outside the classroom setting. No
pressure and more fun. This ambiance will enable the learners to practice subconsciously the rules and other
knowledge they have learned. Thus there will be increase in the effectivity in learning English as a second
language.
My idea above may not be grounded on any measured or approved research but it is based on my
experience as a learner of English as a second language. It may or may not be beneficial but surely it may
open even just a little on the consideration of extending home or entertainment as an environment in
teaching and learning process of English as second language. This idea is based on my understanding of
the role of consciousness as presented in the article.
In the article there many researchers on consciousness although most of them are not conclusive
since consciousness is really elusive in this time. The hope of unraveling human consciousness will be
beneficial many aspects of human understanding particularly in the learning to the second language. With
what has been known and presented in this article, it safe to say that understanding human consciousness
is important in teaching and learning process of the second language. It is because consciousness is
intertwined with language whether we speak of the conscious or the subconscious.