Language+Acquisition+Approach

Language acquisition is the study of the process which learners acquire first or second language. First language acquisition, typically, studies infants’ acquisition of their native language and Second Language Acquisition is the study of children and adults acquisition of their second language. The term second language or target language describes the acquisition of other languages after they have acquired their native language. In first language acquisition, Innatist theorist, Noam Chomsky had originally theorized that children were born with a hard wire language acquisition devise (LAD) in their brain. He believed that all people are born with some knowledge of language or Universal Grammar. Universal Grammar permits children to acquire the language of their environment during a critical period of their development. Predominant theorist of second language acquisition, Stephen Krashen, a believer of Chomsky’s theory, continued his research and felt that the acquisition and learning of a language (second language) are two separate processes. Language learning is knowing about a language and it occurs in a structured setting where form is the focus and the learning is conscious. Language Acquisition is the unconscious process that occurs in natural settings where communication is the focus. When one acquires language they usually do not remember where they picked up the words. It is considered more beneficial. The Language Acquisition Theory also embodies the following hypothesis: +__Natural Order Hypothesis__: where one acquires the first or second language in a natural order. Three factors of Natural Order are: 1. It is not based on obvious features of simplicity or complexity. 2. It is immune to teaching, students will acquire language when they are ready. 3. Simply teach along the natural order. +__Monitor Hypothesis__: Monitoring takes place when the person has plenty of time, is concerned about producing correct language, and has learned the rules. +__Comprehensible Input Hypothesis__: Second language learners acquire language when input is comprehensible. Teachers must allow for silent period and use visual cues or Total Physical Response (TPR) to support context. Language is acquired when one comprehends a message. +__Affective Filter Hypothesis__: A device that either allows information to the language acquisition device or blocks it due to emotional reactions such as comfort, trust, anxiety, and self-esteem. A filter will turn on when self-esteem is low, or when a person is anxious. Values: Krashen’s theory allows teachers to have an understanding and to teach accordingly to where their second language learners are in their second language. We learn through his beliefs that the monitor and editor will allow students to examine the rules, form, and the time they need to express their language and students will acquire their second language when they are ready. Teachers learn from Krashen that we should not push our ESL students because they need to acquire their second language naturally. Challenges: There are so many different types of theories that focus on first and second language acquisition that there could be conflict if you believe one theory but the school district one works for may believe in a different theory. Teachers will have to try to find a happy medium that could consist of both beliefs. ***__MAJOR THEORISTS and/or RESEARCHER:__** Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen. However could also include B.F. Skinner, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jim Cummins etc depending on the theory one may believe in. ***__MY EVALUATION:__** I am a big supporter of Stephen Krashen’s theory about language acquisition. I feel that his beliefs exemplify how a person acquires their second language. His hypothesis of the different stages a second language learner experiences demonstrates how monitoring one’s language is the basis for acquiring their second language. ***__LESSON PLAN EXAMPLE:__** http://www.everythingesl.net/lessons/janbrett_mitten.php
 * Language Acquisition
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