Stephen Krashen: Language Acquisition and Comprehensible Input

Summary

The speaker emphasizes that all individuals acquire language in the same way, through comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment. They argue against the common belief in individual variations in language learning and instead highlight the universality of the process. The presentation debunks the idea that talking is practicing, asserting that language acquisition is a result of understanding messages, not merely repeating or speaking them. The speaker also introduces the 'affective filter hypothesis,' which suggests that factors like motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety play crucial roles in language learning success.

Takeaways

• 😀 We all acquire language in the same way, contrary to the current focus on individual variation in education.
• 🧠 The process of language acquisition is similar to other universal human functions like digestion and visual processing.
• 🔊 Comprehensible input is the key to language acquisition, not just the method of delivery or repetition.
• 📺 The effectiveness of language teaching is demonstrated through engaging and understandable examples, as shown in the second language lesson.
• 🗣️ Speaking is not practicing; true language acquisition comes from understanding messages, not from producing them.
• 👂 A 'silent period' in language learning is normal and should be expected as the learner processes comprehensible input.
• 🌐 Language learning is a global phenomenon, with the same principles applying across different cultures and regions.
• 📚 The input hypothesis suggests that the quality and comprehensibility of input are more important than the quantity of practice.
• 🧠 The 'affective filter hypothesis' posits that factors like motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety significantly impact language acquisition.
• 💡 Successful language acquisition requires a low anxiety environment where the learner is receptive to and understands the input.

Q & A

What is the central issue discussed in the presentation?

The central issue discussed in the presentation is how we acquire language, with the presenter arguing that we all acquire language in the same way, through comprehensible input.

Why is the statement 'we all acquire language the same way' considered outrageous?

This statement is considered outrageous because the current educational focus is on individual variation, emphasizing how students differ rather than how they are the same.

What is an example of a biological process that the presenter uses to illustrate the uniformity of certain human functions?

The presenter uses the process of digestion as an example of a biological function that is uniform across different individuals and cultures.

How does the presenter demonstrate the ineffectiveness of certain language teaching methods?

The presenter demonstrates the ineffectiveness of certain language teaching methods by showing that simply repeating words, speaking louder, or writing them down does not aid in language acquisition.

What role does Mr. Spock play in the second language lesson?

In the second language lesson, Mr. Spock serves as a character that helps make the input comprehensible by providing context and visual cues, which aids in language acquisition.

What is the 'Input Hypothesis' as discussed in the presentation?

The 'Input Hypothesis' suggests that language acquisition occurs when we understand messages, or comprehensible input, rather than through repetitive practice of language forms.

Why does the presenter argue that talking is not practicing for language acquisition?

The presenter argues that talking is not practicing for language acquisition because it is the comprehensible input that we receive, not the output we produce, that leads to language learning.

What is the significance of the story about Itomi in the presentation?

The story about Itomi illustrates the concept of a 'silent period' in language acquisition, where a child listens and processes comprehensible input before starting to speak, highlighting the importance of input over output.

What is the 'affective filter hypothesis' mentioned in the presentation?

The 'affective filter hypothesis' posits that factors such as motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety can affect language acquisition, with lower anxiety and higher motivation and self-esteem leading to better language learning.

How does the presenter suggest we should view student speaking in language classes?

The presenter suggests that while speaking is not the direct path to language acquisition, it can be beneficial as it allows students to seek and receive more comprehensible input from others.

What is the final summary statement regarding language acquisition according to the presentation?

The final summary statement is that we acquire language through comprehensible input in a low anxiety environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding over mere repetition.