Stephen Krashen on Language Acquisition

Summary

In this presentation, the speaker addresses the crucial question of how we acquire language, challenging the focus on individual variation. They argue that language acquisition is universal, drawing parallels to consistent processes like digestion. The speaker illustrates this through two German lessons, emphasizing that understanding comprehensible input, not repetitive or isolated practice, is key. They highlight the Input Hypothesis, suggesting that meaningful, anxiety-free interaction fosters language learning. The Affective Filter Hypothesis is also discussed, noting that low anxiety, high motivation, and self-esteem are essential for successful language acquisition.

Takeaways

• 📚 Language acquisition happens in the same way for everyone.
• 🤔 Emphasizing individual variation in education can overlook universal methods of learning.
• 🍽️ Just like digestion, some processes, like language acquisition, are universal.
• 🗣️ Speaking a language is not necessarily practicing; comprehension is key.
• 👂 The Input Hypothesis: we acquire language by understanding messages, or comprehensible input.
• 🖼️ Visual aids and context, like pictures and real-world knowledge, make language input comprehensible.
• 😌 Low anxiety environments are crucial for effective language acquisition.
• 👶 Silent periods in language learners are normal and expected.
• 💬 Conversation helps in language learning by providing comprehensible input.
• 🧠 The affective filter: high anxiety and low self-esteem can block language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the presentation?

The main topic of the presentation is how we acquire language.

Why does the speaker consider the statement about acquiring language to be outrageous?

The speaker considers it outrageous because it contradicts the current emphasis on individual variation in education, asserting instead that we all acquire language the same way.

What examples of individual variation in education does the speaker mention?

The speaker mentions field dependent vs. field independent learners, left brain vs. right brain thinkers, and differences in cognitive styles between home and school cultures.

How does the speaker illustrate the concept of universal processes with examples?

The speaker uses the examples of digestion and the visual system, which function the same way for everyone regardless of individual differences.

What is the 'Input Hypothesis' as described by the speaker?

The Input Hypothesis states that we acquire language when we understand messages, known as comprehensible input.

Why does the speaker believe that lesson two is more effective than lesson one?

The speaker believes lesson two is more effective because it uses comprehensible input with visual aids and contextual clues to make the language understandable.

What does the speaker mean by 'talking is not practicing'?

The speaker means that speaking a language out loud without understanding input doesn't contribute to language acquisition; understanding comprehensible input does.

What role does the 'silent period' play in language acquisition?

The silent period is a phase where learners listen and understand comprehensible input before they start to speak, which is a normal and essential part of language acquisition.

What is the 'Affective Filter Hypothesis'?

The Affective Filter Hypothesis suggests that factors like motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety affect language acquisition. High anxiety and low self-esteem can block input from reaching the brain's language acquisition device.

How does the speaker summarize the key to language acquisition?

The speaker summarizes that we acquire language when we get comprehensible input in a low anxiety environment.