Language Acquisition Theories and Concepts

Theory Name
Acquisition-Learning
Hypotheses

The Natural Order Hypothesis

What it is
Two ways to develop language ability;
1. Acquire Language
Occurs subconsciously- do not
realize that you are learning, or
that you have learned anything.
Can acquire both oral and written
language
Sometimes referred to as
Picking up a language
2. Learn Language
Conscious process- know what
we are learning
Actively trying to learn
Learn about Rules and
Grammar
Error correction helps learninglearn from mistakes
Acquire language (not learn)
Predictable order- not exact order, but
no extreme variation, fairly similar for
all learners
Language skills wont be acquired until
learner is ready, cannot force learners
to understand before they are ready

Thoughts/Connections/In the
Classroom

Drilling will not help unless learner

is ready

The Monitor Hypothesis

The Comprehension
Hypothesis

The Affective Filter Hypothesis

Bilingual Education

English Only Education

Consciously learned language is only a

Monitor or editor for our
subconsciously acquired language
All that is necessary for language
acquisition is input that is interesting
and comprehensible
Learners acquire language in natural
order, based on the comprehensible
input that they receive.
Language is acquired when message is
understood.
Uses language already acquired,
knowledge of the world and context.
Language acquisition is effortless and
involuntary
Affective variables prevent input from
reaching the part of brain that learns
languages (the Language Acquisition
Device)
Examples of Variables- anxiety, low selfesteem, self-doubt.

Talking is not practicing

Dont need to explicitly teach
grammar

Pictures and body language

No explicit instruction

Similar to Maslows hierarchy of

needs- sometime, things get in the
way of actual learning. Students
cant learn if they are upset,
hungry, tired etc.

Cognitive and academic skills transfer

from L1 to L2
Different schools do different ways
(some classes in English, others in a
different language, or one language one
week and a different the next)
Students are not allowed to use L1
Research shows it doesnt work
Myth says that allowing students to use
their L1 will interfere with their English
acquisition

Frequently used for students who

speak Spanish.

Bad for students

Limits students who may
understand the content, but not
have the language to express
themselves

L2 Acquisition

Silent Period

Learning a second language is similar to

learning a first
Students can make connections
between languages
Communication important
Authentic experiences important
The period where a language learner
understands much of what is being
said, but does not produce much (or
any) language.

Teachers sometimes think that

students will be off task because
the teacher doesnt understand
them.
Its interesting that we know all
these things about language
acquisition, yet we still try to get
people to learn languages by
memorizing grammar rules.
Teachers sometimes assume a
student has a learning disability
because they dont produce
language. However, silent periods
are normal as students get more
comfortable and confident in their
abilities.