Explicit Knowledge and Skill Acquisition in Second Language Learning

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Explicit knowledge is defined as the conscious awareness of the linguistic system. Its pivotal role is examined in relation to the development of knowledge and skills in a second language (L2). Rooted in cognitive science, skill acquisition theory provides a framework for analyzing the explicit learning process, encompassing deliberate practice, noticing, and hypothesis testing. This theory posits that learners transition from declarative knowledge (knowledge of rules and facts) to procedural knowledge (the ability to use language skills) and ultimately to automatization, where language use becomes accurate, rapid, and effortless. The characteristics and dynamics of L2 learning, as explored through the lens of skill acquisition, align closely with findings from other areas of cognitive science.</jats:p>