Stephen Krashen & Second Language Acquisition: 5 powerful Hypotheses

NLL – NEW LANGUAGE LEARNING

Second language acquisition is a crucial process for any language learner. Because when a learner tries to learn a new language that is different from their first language, it can either facilitate or hinder the cognitive learning process.

Stephen Krashen, a linguist, thoroughly studied the process of second language acquisition and developed his “Theory of Second Language Acquisition.” This theory states that second language acquisition does not require pressure to learn grammatical rules and usage. Instead, a fear-free and communicative environment is necessary for the learner.

Let’s read a small story to understand this concept:

A girl named Stefie is studying in the 3rd class. She is a new admission to a French school. Her home language is English, and she knows it very well. English is her first language. Now, in her school, another language, French, is added to the curriculum. She doesn’t know much about French, and her language teacher teaches the rules of grammar and assigns homework. However, her friends also don’t know French, and nobody in the class uses the French language, nor do they use it at home. In the test, the entire class fails because nobody can converse in French.

Here, students know the rules of French grammar but still cannot speak. The primary reason is the lack of an environment where the French language is used. That’s why a rich communicative environment is important for second language acquisition.

Krashen emphasized the importance of communication and environment in his theory and presented five hypotheses.

Five hypotheses:

1. Acquisition Learning Hypothesis:

According to Krashen, there are two ways to learn any language which is acquisition and learning. ‘Acquisition’ is a process when we learn any language without any external force, rules, and in a natural environment. The first language is learnt by this method as the child learns what his or her parents are speaking effortlessly.

‘Learning’ is a process when we learn any target language by studying grammar rules and making extra efforts to learn. Krashen emphasized on acquisition more than learning.

2. Monitor Hypothesis:

This hypothesis is the practical result of what was learnt. The monitor (observer) observes the utterance, speaking, accent, fluency, sentence formation, etc., of the speaker and tries to use it practically. In the acquired method, there’s a chance of changes, uniqueness, and creativity as they acquire it. While in a learned way, they only edit or make little changes in the text.

He also gave three terms in monitor use:-

1. Over-users: who observe and use ‘monitor’ excessively. They just copy-paste it without using their own mind and creativity.
2. Under-users: who don’t consider ‘monitor’ as important or don’t observe them are called under-users.
3. Optimal users: optimal users are the people who use ‘monitor’ appropriately according to the need.

3. Input Hypothesis:

The Input Hypothesis is solely concerned with acquisition. The learner improves along the natural order when they receive the second language. It helps the learner to communicate efficiently.

Comprehensible input is a +1 level of language competence. A child will learn effectively if they are exposed to a level one step above their current language competence.

4. Affective Filter Hypothesis:

There are several variables that facilitate second language acquisition, such as motivation, anxiety, attitude, confidence, needs, and personalities, etc. The Affective Filter is a type of barrier that prevents input from being used for acquisition.

For example, a learner who is sad, angry, or bored may filter the input, making it unavailable for acquisition.

5. Natural Order Hypotheses:

krashen believed that children acquire their first language in the natural settings in a predictable manner. Learner’s age, family background, social economical status etc do not influence the natural order of acquisition.

In this hypothesis, learners are given plenty of opportunities in which they can acquire the language. A lot of comprehensible input is made available to facilitate the second language acquisition. They need to hear and see language that makes sense to them. That’s how they pick it up naturally.

Summary:

Want to learn a new language? Stephen Krashen’s theory simplifies it! Ditch grammar rules and focus on communication. Create a fear-free environment where learners naturally pick up the language. His 5 hypotheses:

– Acquisition (learn naturally) beats learning (grammar rules)

– Monitor progress, don’t overdo it

– Comprehensible input (understandable language) is key

– Affective filter (motivation, anxiety, attitude) impacts learning

– Natural order (predictable learning process)

Krashen’s theory boosts language learning. Focus on communication, interaction, and meaningful input for second language acquisition. Make language learning enjoyable, effective, and effortless. Understand and apply these principles to become a proficient language learner.