Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) 2026 - Free FORT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first stage of second language acquisition is the Preproduction stage. This stage is characterized by a period of listening and absorbing the new language without necessarily speaking it. Learners in this stage may not use verbal communication at all, instead focusing on understanding the sounds, vocabulary, and basic structures of the new language. They might engage in non-verbal communication and respond to simple prompts or questions with gestures or nods.

This stage is critical for laying a strong foundation in the new language, as it allows learners to build their receptive language skills. They become familiar with the pronunciation and rhythm of the language, which is essential before they begin to articulate their thoughts in that language. This understanding forms the basis from which they will move into subsequent stages of language acquisition, where they will become more active in using the language.