Stephen Krashen on Language Acquisition Part 2 of 2

Summary

This transcript explores the theory of language acquisition, focusing on the Affective Filter Hypothesis, which posits that emotional factors like motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety significantly impact learning. It highlights the importance of comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment and contrasts traditional language classes with immersion methods. The goal of language classes is to prepare learners for real-world exposure to language. The transcript also examines challenges faced by language teachers, emphasizing the difference between conscious learning and natural acquisition, and the necessity of fostering an autonomous learning process for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Effective Filter Hypothesis suggests that motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety influence language acquisition.
• 😀 High motivation and low anxiety improve language acquisition, while high anxiety can block learning by creating an 'effective filter'.
• 😀 Comprehensible input is essential for language acquisition; it should be delivered in a low-anxiety, engaging environment.
• 😀 Grammar-focused teaching methods may be less effective compared to those that provide comprehensible input in context.
• 😀 Traditional language classes are crucial for beginners as they provide structured comprehensible input that outside exposure cannot easily offer.
• 😀 After initial language classes, immersion in real-world language situations becomes crucial for advancing language skills.
• 😀 The goal of language classes is not to make students perfect but to prepare them to engage with the language outside of class and continue learning.
• 😀 Language acquisition is a slow, subtle process, while learning grammar consciously is a faster but less effective approach for acquiring a language.
• 😀 Autonomous learning is encouraged, with a focus on teaching students how to acquire a language independently, rather than simply learning language rules.
• 😀 There is a distinction between 'acquisition' (natural, immersive) and 'learning' (conscious, analytical) in language development, with acquisition being the more effective long-term method.

Q & A

What is the main critique of the traditional grammatical syllabus in language teaching?

The traditional grammatical syllabus is often criticized for being boring and difficult to present in a way that is engaging for students. It focuses too much on teaching grammar rules rather than providing comprehensible, interesting input.

How does the affective filter hypothesis relate to language acquisition?

The affective filter hypothesis suggests that emotional factors like motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety can impact language acquisition. When a student is motivated, has high self-esteem, and is relaxed (low anxiety), they are more likely to successfully acquire language. High anxiety or low motivation can 'raise the filter,' blocking language input.

What role does anxiety play in language acquisition according to the speaker?

Anxiety plays a negative role in language acquisition. Lower anxiety levels facilitate better learning, while high anxiety can block comprehensible input, preventing effective language acquisition. Ideally, anxiety should be minimal or even zero for optimal language learning.

Why are language classes considered essential for beginners?

Language classes are seen as essential for beginners because they provide structured, comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment, something that immersion experiences in a foreign country would not offer to a beginner. Language classes lay the foundation for further language acquisition.

How does comprehensible input contribute to language acquisition?

Comprehensible input is crucial because it allows students to understand the language while being exposed to it. This understanding helps the brain process and internalize grammar and vocabulary naturally, without the need for explicit instruction of rules.

What is the main argument against immersion as the primary method of learning a language?

The main argument against immersion for beginners is that it can be overwhelming and ineffective if the student cannot yet understand the language. Language classes offer structured and manageable exposure to comprehensible input before immersion can be beneficial.

What is the goal of language classes according to the speaker?

The goal of language classes is to provide students with the foundational comprehensible input that prepares them to engage with the outside world. They aim to bring students to an intermediate level, where they can then continue acquiring language through real-world experiences.

What are some of the methods that seem to work best for language acquisition?

Methods such as the Natural Approach and Total Physical Response (TPR) are highlighted as effective because they provide abundant comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment, which facilitates better language acquisition compared to traditional grammar-based methods.

Why is it important to teach students about the process of language acquisition?

Teaching students about the process of language acquisition empowers them to become autonomous learners. By understanding how language acquisition works, students can better manage their own learning and continue improving their language skills independently.

What is the challenge posed by students’ expectations in language classes?

Students often expect grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and exercises, which can conflict with more communicative and input-focused teaching methods. This can create a tension between the student’s desire for explicit language rules and the teacher’s focus on providing natural language exposure.