Krashen's theory of second language acquisition consists of five main hypotheses: 1) The acquisition-learning hypothesis distinguishes between acquired and learned systems. 2) The monitor hypothesis concerns the use of learned grammar. 3) The natural order hypothesis states that acquisition follows a predictable order. 4) The input hypothesis claims that we acquire by understanding language a little beyond our current level. 5) The affective filter hypothesis embodies that affective variables like motivation and anxiety can impede or facilitate acquisition. The input hypothesis also states that speaking ability emerges over time through comprehensible input, not direct instruction, and the affective filter hypothesis claims learners with positive affect are better equipped for acquisition.
2. I. Brief History
About 25 years ago, a psychologist named
Stephen Krashen transformed language
teaching. He had been developing his ideas
over a number of years, but several books
he published in the 1980s received
widespread acceptance.
3. II. Five Hypotheses
• The acquisition learning hypothesis
• the monitor hypothesis,
• the natural order hypothesis,
• the input hypothesis, and
• the affective filter hypothesis.
4. III. The Input Hypothesis
We acquire language only when we
understand language that contains
structure that is “a little beyond” where
we are now.
This is possible because we use more
than our linguistic competence to help
us understand.
5. The input hypothesis says that we
acquire by “going for meaning” first,
and as a result, we acquire structure.
It also states that speaking fluency
cannot be taught directly. It emerges
over time, on its own.
6. The best way to teach speaking,
according to this view, is simply to
provide comprehensible input and that is
through reading and hearing.
Early speech will come when the acquirer
feels “ready:” It is typically not
grammatically accurate.
7. IV. The Affective Filter
The Affective Filter hypothesis, embodies
Krashen's view that a number of 'affective
variables' play a facilitative, but non-causal,
role in second language acquisition.
These variables include: motivation, self-
confidence and anxiety.
8. Accuracy develops over time as the
acquirer hears and understands more
input.
9. Low motivation, low self-esteem, and
debilitating anxiety can combine to 'raise'
the affective filter and form a 'mental block'
that prevents comprehensible input from
being used for acquisition. In other words,
when the filter is 'up' it impedes language
acquisition.
10. Krashen claims that learners with
high motivation, self-confidence, a
good self-image, and a low level of
anxiety are better equipped for
success in second language
acquisition.
11. IV. The Strength of Affective Filter
Teachers try to reduce the learner’s
negative feelings.
Learners can have higher competence
when they receive comprehensible
input in low-stress condition.
13. What is Language Teaching?
It is the teaching of
the primary and secondary language.
14. I. Theory and Pedagogy
Approaches to the teaching of language as school
subject which have been highly influenced by
socio-linguistics recognised the importance of
the active use of language and of allowing pupils
to formulate their own responses but have been
criticised for reducing the content of lessons to a
form of social studies and neglecting the
aesthetic dimensions of language. A Framework
for Language Education would help users to
evaluate the type of emphasis in their own
approach.
15. It is important, however, to have some
understanding of the different debates
(some of which have been addressed
briefly in this paper) and how
theoretical perspectives have
influenced them to ensure that
thinking is broadened and judgements
are appropriately informed.