Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition

Summary

In this video, Rafael discusses Krashen's five hypotheses on second language acquisition: Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, Monitor Hypothesis, Input Hypothesis, Affective Filter Hypothesis, and Natural Order Hypothesis. The script highlights the importance of meaningful interaction, natural communicative input, and affective variables like motivation and self-confidence in language learning. It also touches upon the silent period and the natural progression of language acquisition, emphasizing the need for an understanding of these theories to enhance teaching practices.

Takeaways

• 📚 Krashen's theory consists of five main hypotheses: Acquisition-Learning, Monitor, Input, Affective Filter, and Natural Order.
• 🧠 The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis suggests two systems: subconscious acquisition and conscious learning.
• 🗣️ Language acquisition occurs through meaningful interaction, focusing on communication rather than form.
• 📈 The Monitor Hypothesis explains how learned knowledge can correct and improve spontaneous language production.
• 🕒 Effective use of the Monitor requires sufficient time, focus on form, and knowledge of rules.
• 👥 Different learners have varying Monitor usage: optimal, over, and under users, influenced by personality traits.
• 🌐 The Input Hypothesis posits that language acquisition progresses with input slightly beyond the learner's current competence.
• 🔄 The Affective Filter Hypothesis states that motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety affect language acquisition.
• 📅 The Natural Order Hypothesis indicates that language structures are acquired in a predictable sequence.
• 🔄 Errors in language use can be corrected by providing more input containing the targeted structure.
• 🤫 The Silent Period is a phase where learners understand without speaking, important for language acquisition without pressure.

Q & A

What are the five main hypotheses of Krashen's theory of second language acquisition?

The five main hypotheses of Krashen's theory are: 1) The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, 2) The Monitor Hypothesis, 3) The Input Hypothesis, 4) The Affective Filter Hypothesis, and 5) The Natural Order Hypothesis.

What is the difference between language acquisition and language learning according to Krashen?

Language acquisition is a subconscious process similar to how children acquire their first language, focusing on meaningful interaction. Language learning is a conscious process resulting from formal instruction and focuses on conscious knowledge about the language, such as grammar rules.

How does the Monitor Hypothesis explain the relationship between acquisition and learning?

The Monitor Hypothesis states that the acquisition system initiates speech, while the learning system acts as a monitor or editor, which corrects deviations and polishes speech under certain conditions: sufficient time, focus on form, and knowledge of the rules.

What are the three specific conditions that allow the monitor to function effectively?

The three conditions are: 1) sufficient time, 2) focus on form, and 3) knowledge of the rules.

What does the Input Hypothesis suggest about the role of input in language acquisition?

The Input Hypothesis suggests that learners improve and progress when they receive input that is one step beyond their current linguistic competence.

How does the Affective Filter Hypothesis relate to the success of language acquisition?

The Affective Filter Hypothesis posits that variables such as motivation, self-confidence, anxiety, and personal traits play a facilitative role in language acquisition. High motivation, self-confidence, and extroversion are conducive to success, while low motivation, anxiety, and introversion can hinder it.

What does the Natural Order Hypothesis propose about the acquisition of grammatical structures?

The Natural Order Hypothesis proposes that grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order, with some structures being acquired earlier than others. It also accounts for student errors as a part of the learning process.

What is the Silent Period in second language acquisition?

The Silent Period is a phase where learners acquire language knowledge by listening and understanding without producing speech. It is a receptive phase where learners should not be pressured to speak until they are ready.

How does Krashen suggest correcting students' mistakes in language acquisition?

Krashen suggests providing more input containing the structure in question as the best way to correct students' mistakes, rather than consciously organizing the order of language items.

What is the significance of understanding Krashen's hypotheses for language teachers?

Understanding Krashen's hypotheses helps language teachers improve their practices by promoting meaningful interaction, providing comprehensible input, and understanding the natural process of language acquisition, including the silent period.

What does Krashen recommend for designing a language syllabus?

Krashen recommends designing a syllabus based on topics, functions, and situations rather than organizing language items consciously.