The Comprehensible Input Hypothesis

Applied Linguistics & ELT by Dr. Shahzad Karim

2 Apr 202309:52

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses Stephen Krashen's theory of 'comprehensible input' in language learning. It explains that input is the language we are exposed to, and comprehensible input is language slightly beyond our current understanding (I+1). This concept suggests that gradual exposure to slightly more complex language than we currently understand facilitates learning. The theory also touches on the potential difficulty for learners to identify their current level and the next level of difficulty, and the concept of 'fossilization' where learners stop progressing. The summary highlights the importance of I+1 in promoting language acquisition.

Takeaways

🌐 Input in language learning refers to the language a learner is exposed to, including both spoken and written forms.
👶 Comprehensible input is the key to language acquisition, which means learners need to understand the language they are exposed to.
📈 The concept of 'I plus 1' suggests that language learning occurs when learners are exposed to input slightly beyond their current level of understanding.
🚫 If learners are only exposed to language at their current level (I), they may reach a plateau and stop progressing, known as fossilization.
🔍 Identifying the right level of 'I plus 1' can be challenging for language learners, especially second language learners.
📚 The script discusses the importance of gradually increasing the complexity of language input to facilitate learning.
🔄 Comprehensible input is not just about simple language; it's about language that is complex enough to push learners to the next level.
👨‍🏫 The script introduces the idea that language learning is a gradual process, moving from easier to slightly more difficult language structures.
🤔 The concept of comprehensible input is also related to the sociocultural theory of language learning, particularly the zone of proximal development.
👂 Listening to language that is just beyond one's current understanding can help learners to develop their language skills over time.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'input' in language learning?
-In language learning, 'input' refers to the language that individuals are exposed to, which can be in spoken or written form. It includes the language they hear or read, such as conversations, books, or any other verbal communication.
Why is it sometimes difficult to understand certain language input?
-It can be difficult to understand certain language input because it may be beyond one's current level of language proficiency. For instance, a young learner might understand simple sentences but struggle with complex structures like conditional sentences.
What is 'comprehensible input' in the context of language learning?
-Comprehensible input is the language input that is understandable to the learner. It is slightly more challenging than what the learner currently understands but not so difficult that it becomes overwhelming.
How does the 'I plus 1' formula relate to comprehensible input?
-The 'I plus 1' formula suggests that for effective language learning, learners should be exposed to input that is just beyond their current level of understanding ('I' represents the current level, and 'plus 1' represents the next level of difficulty).
What happens if a language learner is only exposed to input at their current level (I)?
-If a learner is only exposed to input at their current level, they may reach a point where they stop making progress, known as 'fossilization,' where they become stagnant in their language development.
What is the role of 'I plus 1' in gradual language learning?
-The 'I plus 1' concept facilitates gradual language learning by encouraging learners to continuously move from their current level to the next slightly more challenging level, promoting incremental development.
How does the concept of comprehensible input relate to the sociocultural theory of language learning?
-In the sociocultural theory, the concept of comprehensible input is similar to the idea of the 'zone of proximal development,' which is the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with assistance.
What is the criticism regarding the identification of comprehensible input for second language learners?
-The criticism is that it can be challenging for second language learners to identify what is at their current level of understanding and what is slightly difficult, making it hard to apply the 'I plus 1' formula accurately.
Can you provide an example of how a learner might progress through the 'I plus 1' model?
-A learner might start by understanding basic vocabulary (I), then move on to simple sentences (I plus 1), then to more complex sentences and structures, continually advancing their language skills by taking on slightly more challenging input.
How does the concept of comprehensible input apply to language learning in schools?
-In schools, the concept is applied by introducing students to language structures that are slightly more challenging than what they currently know, gradually increasing the difficulty as they progress through grades.
What is the importance of exposure to slightly difficult language input according to the script?
-Exposure to slightly difficult language input is crucial for language learning as it pushes learners to understand and use language structures just beyond their current abilities, facilitating growth and development.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Comprehensible Input in Language Learning

The first paragraph introduces the concept of 'comprehensible input' as a fundamental aspect of language learning. It begins by defining 'input' as any language to which we are exposed, whether spoken or written. The speaker then contrasts this with 'comprehensible input,' which is input that is slightly more challenging than what the learner currently understands (I+1). This concept is crucial because it suggests that language acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language that is just beyond their current level of comprehension. The speaker uses the analogy of climbing stairs or a ladder to illustrate how gradual exposure to increasing difficulty facilitates learning. The paragraph concludes by discussing the potential issues with incomprehensible input, such as fossilization, where learners stop progressing if they are not exposed to slightly more challenging language.

05:01

🔄 The I+1 Formula and Language Development

The second paragraph delves deeper into the I+1 formula, emphasizing its role in gradual language development. It explains that if learners are only exposed to language at their current level (I), they will not progress, leading to fossilization. Conversely, if they are exposed to language that is too difficult (I+4 or I+5), they will struggle and may not learn effectively. The speaker also mentions the sociocultural theory and the concept of the 'zone of proximal development,' which parallels the idea of I+1 by suggesting that learners need assistance to move from their current level to the next. The paragraph addresses potential criticisms of the comprehensible input hypothesis, such as the difficulty in identifying one's current level and the next level of difficulty. It concludes by suggesting that while it may be challenging to pinpoint exact levels, the general principle of moving from easier to slightly more difficult language structures is a valid approach to language learning, as evidenced by the natural progression of language acquisition in childhood.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Input

Input in the context of language learning refers to the language material that a learner is exposed to, which can be in spoken or written form. It is the foundation for language acquisition, as it provides the raw material that learners must understand and eventually imitate. In the script, the speaker uses the example of their own speech as input for the listener, emphasizing that input is all around us and is a necessary component for language learning.

💡Comprehensible Input

Comprehensible Input is a core concept in language acquisition theory, proposed by Stephen Krashen. It suggests that language is learned when the input a learner receives is understandable, i.e., slightly above their current level of proficiency. The script explains that this input is not too simple or too difficult but is just enough to challenge the learner, facilitating language acquisition effectively.

💡I Plus 1

I Plus 1 is a formula derived from Krashen's theory of language acquisition, where 'I' represents a learner's current level of understanding and 'plus 1' indicates the next level of difficulty. The script uses the analogy of climbing stairs to illustrate how learners should be exposed to input that is just beyond their current level to promote gradual learning and avoid stagnation.

💡Fossilization

Fossilization is a term used in second language acquisition to describe the point at which a learner stops making progress. The script mentions that if learners are not exposed to 'I plus 1' input, they may reach a plateau and stop developing their language skills, becoming 'fossilized' at their current level.

💡Language Exposure

Language Exposure is the process of being around and interacting with a language. The script discusses how critical it is for language learning, as it is through exposure that learners encounter new words, phrases, and structures that they can incorporate into their own language use.

💡Understanding

Understanding, in the context of the script, is the ability to grasp the meaning of language input. It is key to comprehensible input, as learners must understand the language they are exposed to in order to learn from it. The script emphasizes that input should be comprehensible to be effective for language acquisition.

💡Language Structures

Language Structures refer to the grammatical constructs of a language, such as sentences, phrases, and clauses. The script uses the example of a conditional sentence to illustrate how certain structures may be too complex for初学者, highlighting the importance of循序渐进地 introducing new structures.

💡Zone of Proximal Development

Zone of Proximal Development is a concept from Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, which is mentioned in the script as a related concept to comprehensible input. It refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with assistance. The script suggests that this zone is where learners can be challenged just enough to grow.

💡Gradual Learning

Gradual Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills slowly over time. The script discusses how comprehensible input allows for gradual learning by exposing learners to input that is slightly more challenging than their current level, thus promoting steady progress.

💡Sociocultural Theory

Sociocultural Theory, attributed to Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the role of social interaction in cognitive development. The script mentions that this theory will be discussed later and that it shares similarities with the concept of comprehensible input, particularly in the idea of moving from a current level of understanding to a higher one with assistance.

💡Stagnation

Stagnation in language learning refers to a lack of progress or development. The script warns that if learners are not exposed to 'I plus 1' input, they may experience stagnation, failing to advance in their language skills.

Highlights

Language learning occurs through 'comprehensible input'.

Input is the language we are exposed to, including spoken and written forms.

Comprehensible input is language that is slightly beyond our current level of understanding.

The concept of 'I plus 1' suggests that language learning happens when we are exposed to input just beyond our current level.

If input is too far beyond our current level, it can be difficult and hinder learning.

Language learning can stop at a certain stage, known as 'fossilization'.

The 'I plus 1' formula is crucial for gradual language learning.

Comprehensible input leads to gradual development of language skills.

It's challenging for language learners to identify their current level and the next level of difficulty.

The concept of comprehensible input is similar to the 'zone of proximal development' in sociocultural theory.

Language learning is a process of moving from easier to slightly more difficult language structures.

The 'I plus 1' formula plays a significant role in language acquisition.

Language learning in schools often follows the 'I plus 1' model, starting with simple vocabulary and gradually introducing more complex sentences.

The concept of comprehensible input is supported by the observation of how children naturally acquire language.

The 'I plus 1' model suggests that language learning is a gradual process of increasing complexity.

Critics question how learners can accurately determine their current level and the appropriate next level of difficulty.