Krashen's Monitor Model - The Natural Order Hypothesis

Summary

The Natural Order Hypothesis suggests that language learning follows a fixed sequence of developmental stages, unaffected by instruction. Research, particularly morpheme studies, supports this idea, showing that learners acquire grammatical structures like simple present, past tense, and third person 's in a specific order. This sequence is consistent across both instructed and natural learning contexts, indicating an inherent mechanism guiding language acquisition.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Natural Order Hypothesis suggests that language acquisition follows a predetermined sequence that is not altered by instruction.
• 🔍 This hypothesis is based on research into morpheme studies, which look at how different grammatical structures are learned.
• 🌟 The sequence typically starts with simple present tense structures, followed by past tense, and then third person 's.
• 🏫 Whether learning in an instructed setting or naturally, the order of acquiring language structures remains consistent.
• 🔑 The hypothesis implies that language learning has a natural mechanism based on the difficulty level of different structures.
• 🤔 Some linguists challenge the Natural Order Hypothesis, arguing that variation in learning and teaching can affect the sequence.
• 📈 Morpheme studies from the 1970s provided evidence supporting the Natural Order Hypothesis in both first and second language acquisition contexts.
• 📝 The research includes analysis of not only tense structures but also negative and interrogative sentences.
• 🌐 The hypothesis is particularly relevant to the Monitor Model of language learning, which was discussed in the 1980s.
• ❓ Despite some disagreement, the Natural Order Hypothesis stands as a significant theory in understanding the patterns of language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the Natural Order Hypothesis?

The Natural Order Hypothesis suggests that language learning follows a predetermined sequence of developmental stages that cannot be altered through instruction. It implies that learners acquire certain grammatical structures in a specific order, regardless of whether they are learning in a classroom or natural setting.

How does the Natural Order Hypothesis relate to language learning?

According to the Natural Order Hypothesis, language learning involves a sequence where learners first acquire simple structures and then progress to more complex ones. This sequence is thought to be based on the inherent difficulty of the structures rather than the teaching method.

What are morpheme studies in second language acquisition?

Morpheme studies in second language acquisition are research efforts that focus on how learners acquire different grammatical structures, such as simple present tense, past tense, and third person 's'. These studies provide evidence for the Natural Order Hypothesis by showing a consistent order of acquisition across learners.

What is the sequence of language learning according to the Natural Order Hypothesis?

The sequence, as per the Natural Order Hypothesis, typically starts with simple present tense, followed by present continuous tense, then simple past tense, and eventually third person 's'. This sequence is observed in both instructed and natural language learning contexts.

How does the Natural Order Hypothesis explain the acquisition of tense in English?

The Natural Order Hypothesis posits that English language learners first acquire the simple present tense, then the simple past tense, and not the other way around. This is seen as a natural progression based on the complexity of the language structures.

What role does instruction play in the Natural Order Hypothesis?

In the context of the Natural Order Hypothesis, instruction does not change the natural sequence of language acquisition. Whether learning in a classroom or naturally, learners are expected to follow the same order of acquiring language structures.

Are there any disagreements among linguists regarding the Natural Order Hypothesis?

Yes, some linguists disagree with the Natural Order Hypothesis, suggesting that there can be variation in the order of language acquisition and that teaching methods or exposure to the language can make a difference.

What evidence supports the Natural Order Hypothesis?

The evidence supporting the Natural Order Hypothesis comes from morpheme studies conducted in various ESL and EFL contexts, as well as in first language learning contexts. These studies have shown a consistent order of language structure acquisition.

How does the Natural Order Hypothesis differ from other theories of language acquisition?

The Natural Order Hypothesis differs from other theories by emphasizing a fixed sequence of language acquisition that is not influenced by instruction. Other theories may place more emphasis on the role of input, interaction, or cognitive factors in language learning.

What are some criticisms of the Natural Order Hypothesis?

Critics of the Natural Order Hypothesis argue that it may oversimplify the complex process of language learning and that individual differences, learning strategies, and the social context can significantly affect the order in which language structures are acquired.

Can the Natural Order Hypothesis be applied to languages other than English?

The principles of the Natural Order Hypothesis can potentially be applied to languages other than English, as the concept is based on the idea of a universal sequence of language acquisition. However, the specific structures and order may vary depending on the language.