FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is considered a "target language"?

1. A a language that is no longer spoken

2. B the first language of a student

3. C the second language being learned

4. D a language learned for a specific purpose

The correct answer is: C the second language being learned

A "target language" refers to the language that a learner is actively trying to acquire or learn, particularly when it is different from their native language, also known as their first language. In this context, when students engage in the process of learning a new language, that language becomes the target language. For example, if a student whose first language is Spanish is learning English, then English is the target language. This term is commonly used in language acquisition and teaching, indicating the specific language that is the focus of instruction and practice. The other options do not accurately encapsulate the definition of target language. A language that is no longer spoken cannot serve as a target language because there would be no practical context for learning it. The first language of a student, while crucial to their identity and learning process, is not considered the target language in a language learning scenario. A language learned for a specific purpose, while relevant, does not automatically define the target language; it merely indicates the intent behind learning it, which could vary from individual to individual.