Stephen Krashen developed theories of second language acquisition that reject the central role of grammar instruction and emphasize communication and comprehensible input. His theories were influenced by Vygotsky's work on cognitive development and the zone of proximal development. Krashen proposed five main hypotheses: acquisition-learning, monitor, natural order, input, and affective filter. According to Krashen, language is acquired through meaningful interaction and comprehensible input rather than formal instruction. The natural approach focuses on developing basic communication skills through activities that lower students' anxiety and increase comprehensible input, such as pictures, real-world tasks, and group work. However, some linguists disagree with Krashen's view and argue that formal instruction may be better

1. KrashenStephen Krashen: specialises in 2nd language acquisition & development – non- English & bilingual

2. Theory of LanguageReject grammar being central part of lang – in fact gramm structure not require explicit analysis/explanation by lang teacher, learner or teaching materials. Communication as main function: eg of communicative approachNo emphasis on ‘theory of language’ at all – some say there is none – such as Gregg,1984.Main focus vocabulary – lexicon – used to send messages – grammar is a by-productAlthough they say they it is ‘communicative’, similar to audiolinguists in that they see learning occurring in stages.

3. Led to collaboration Krashen& Terrell (Tracy, Spanish teacher in California -1977; 1982 – ‘The Natural Approach’). Wanted language to be learned along more naturalistic principles of langacqn. Using Krashen’s theories, ‘The Natural Approach’ published in 1983 – langacqn – Krashen, procedures – Terrell. Emphasis is on: exposure/input not practicemaking ss emotionally prepared to learnallowing ss to listen before production need to use written & other sources for input

4. 5 main hypotheses acquisition-learning monitor natural order inputaffective filter

5. Acquisition learning - 2 independent systems of language: acquired & learned.

6. MonitorRelationship between these 2 aspects of a learner. Monitor part of the learner corrects errors or makes speech more acceptable. Can only happen if the learner has enough time to think, if they focus on what is correct and if the rule is known to them.

7. Natural OrderResearch findings by Dulay & Burt, 1974; Fathman, 1975; Makino, 1980 show grammar structures seem to be acquired in a ‘natural order’. So some structures are acquired early & some late. Findings show that the learner’s L1, age, background or how they learned the language make no difference to this. However, according to Krashen, syllabuses should not be designed in a manner which takes this order into account. In fact, it should not be this way at all.

8. InputHow he tries to explain how the learner acquires the new language. Learner acquires language in this way, not learns itInput needs to be slightly higher than the learner’s levelSo natural communicative input is essential – ‘comprehensible ‘ input -> with this go 2 further hypotheses: 1) speaking is a result of acquisition & NOT its cause 2) if input is understood, and there is enough of it, the necessary grammar is automatically provided (Krashen, 1985, p2)

9. Affective Filter‘affective variables’ play a role in 2ndlangacqnMotivation, self-confidence & anxiety – affects the mental block or ‘willingness’ of the acqn- impede langacqn

10. Evidence for Input hypothesis: (Krashen, 1985a)People speak to children acquiring 1stlang in certain waysPeople speak to L2 learners in certain waysL2 learners often go through an early Silent PeriodDifference in langacqn success reflected in younger/older learners from comprehensible inputThe more comprehensible input, more L2 proficiencyOpposite goes for lack of comp. inputTeaching methods are dependent on comprehensible input Immersion teaching works as the input is comprehensibleFor bilingual programs to be successful, comp. input is nec.

11. 5 hypotheses have implications for lang teaching:Present as much comprehensible input as possThings that help comprehension are NB – such as pics/realia- exposure to wider lexiconFocus should be on reading & listening – speaking comes later when ss readyFor a lower filter to work, class needs to be relaxed & ss should focus on meaningful communication

12. SyllabusSee course organisation from 2 perspectives: 1)Some general goals of most courses – 4 areas: basic personal communication skills: oral e.g. listening to announcements in public spacesbasic personal communication skills: written eg reading & writing personal lettersAcademic learning skills: oral eg. Listening to a lectureAcademic learning skills: written eg taking notes in class

13. But ‘Natural Approach’ focuses mainly on basic communication skills. 2nd perspective is that “ the purpose of a language course will vary according to needs of the students and their particular interests” – Krashen & Terrell 1983:65.

14. BUT – how do you do this for all the ss? Needs differ – so list of topics understood as suggestions not set.

15. Types of learning & teaching activities:Focus on comprehensible input – teacher talk focuses on things in classroom & on pics & ss don’t need to say anything till feel ready – less stress ( filter) , but do need to reply to T’s commands & qns in other ways. T talks slowly & clearlyAsks qns – 1 word answersCharts/ pics/maps/ realia focal point for qns, then when ss able, talk about other ssPair/group, followed by whole class activitiesTechniques often borrowed from other methods & adapted to suit their needs: such as Command-based Act’s from Total Physical Response; Direct Method – mime, gesture, context; CLT – group-work

16. Nothing really new, but the way they use them & the COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT, classroom env. that helps with learner anxiety and helps to increase learner confidence.

17. Learner roles:Learners trying to ‘acquire’ lang,not learn it in usual way. Slightly more difficult input is given than at level, but by context & extralinguistic info, can understand.Learner’s roles change depending on level and a major aspect is the learner deciding when to speak, what to speak about & what lang to use when speaking. 3 phases: 1) pre-production: no response but participate by egpointing2) early-production: either/or qns, single words, short phrases, fill in charts, use fixed conversational patterns eg ‘How are you?’ 3) speech-emergent: role-play, games, personal info, opinions, group problem solving ( Krashen & Terrell, 1983:76)

18. Learners have 4 responsibilities:Give info on their goals so that topics & situations can be comp. inputTake an active role in comp. input.: learn & use conversational man. techniquesDecide when to start using speech & what grade to useWhere learning exercises such as grammar are a part of program, decide with teacher how much time to spend on them & try to do & check by themselves. PROBLEM – Ls need to comm. with other Ls, so may not get good comp.input slightly above their level – they (K&T) are aware of this, but give no solutions.

19. Teacher Roles:3 main rolesMain source of comprehensible input – constant flow of langnec plus non-linguistic clues to meaning – so very teacher-centredAtmosphere – friendly, interesting, allowing a low affective filter. This is achieved through not expecting production of speech, int topics & not correcting errorsMaterials need to be of a high standard, very varied & interesting, based not just on what T thinks is nec, but also on ss needs & interests.

20. MaterialsPrimary goal of materials to make classroom activities as meaningful as possible by giving “the extralinguistic context that helps the acquirer to understand and thereby to acquire” (Krashen & Terrell, 1983:55).Thus REALIA are of paramount NB, and not textbooks.So pictures, visual aids, schedules, brochures, ads, maps, simple books, games. Thus a lot of work for the teacher!!

21. DialoguesPairwork interviews with personal infoPersonal charts & tablesPreference ranking – opinion pollsGiving personal info about selfUsing imaginationProblem-solving activitiesGamesContent activities such as academic subject matter

22. Lev SemenovichVygotsky (1896-1934) University of Moscow- teacher of literature but led to developmental psychology, education and psychopathology.influence on Krashen’s second language acquisition theory – application of their theories to second language teaching produces similarities.

23. Krashen'sinput hypothesis similar toVygotsky's concept of zone of proximal development. According to the input hypothesis, language acquisition takes place during human interaction in an environment of the foreign language when the learner receives language 'input' that is one step beyond his/her current stage of linguistic competence. For example, if a learner is at a stage 'i', then maximum acquisition takes place when he/she is exposed to 'Comprehensible Input' that belongs to level 'i + 1'.Krashen'sacquisition-learning hypothesis - influenced by Vygotsky.

24. Vygotsky speaks of internalization of language, Krashen uses the term language acquisition, both based on a common assumption: interaction.Lang acq defined by Krashen & NB in achieving proficiency is parallel of Vygotsky's view of cognitive development of the person's social history and being a product of it.

25. Lots of opposition to these ideasKrashen under pressure from bilingualists – bilingual teaching following his approach is considered by many to be controversial. Other linguists, such as Michael Long, do not agree with Krashen that language acquired through acqn & not learning is better. Reasons…formal teaching seems to be better for the learner in the long run.Although through formal instruction, Ls seem to make more errors initially, they do get better. For naturalistic learners, these errors are still evident much later on.

26. As to the question of which type allows you to learn a language faster, hhhmmmm?Does a person who received formal instruction in a language go further in the long run ?? Long feels the answer is yes (1987).