Questions and Answers
Which theory suggests that children are born with a capacity for language, but this capacity must be activated and developed through social interaction with caregivers and other speakers of their language?
What is a potential weakness of the Interaction Hypothesis in language acquisition?
What is the term for when language learners apply a grammar rule too broadly, even when there are exceptions to the rule?
Which of the following is NOT a tenet of the Interaction Hypothesis?
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What is the term for the innate ability that enables humans to acquire language, according to Innativism?
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Which theory suggests that there is an optimal period for language acquisition, after which it becomes more difficult?
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What is the main idea behind the Input Hypothesis?
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What is the role of the affective filter in language acquisition, according to Krashen's Input Hypothesis?
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What is the primary goal of the Output Hypothesis, as proposed by Canal and Swain?
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What is an example of an activity that illustrates the Output Hypothesis?
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What is the term for the idea that learners should receive input that is slightly beyond their current level of proficiency?
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What is the primary focus of Krashen's Input Hypothesis?
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What is the main argument against the idea that language acquisition can be explained solely by input, imitation, and reinforcement?
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What is the name of the fundamental set of principles that structures language in general, according to the theory of Universal Grammar?
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What is the term for the idea that humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition, which is then activated in a critical period?
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What is the main weakness of the theory of Innativism, according to critics?
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What is the advantage of younger learners in terms of language acquisition, according to the Critical Period Hypothesis?
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What is the term for the idea that humans have an innate device for language learning, which is then activated in a critical period?
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What is the main criticism of the Audio-Lingual Method in language teaching?
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What is the main advantage of older learners in terms of language acquisition, according to the Critical Period Hypothesis?
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Study Notes
Interaction Hypothesis
- Language acquisition is a combination of innate abilities and environmental influences
- Innate capacity for language must be activated and developed through social interaction with caregivers and other speakers
- Importance of joint attention, turn-taking, and feedback in language learning
- Face-to-face interaction allows for experimentation and trial and error (am I being understood?)
Weaknesses of Interaction Hypothesis
- Fails to account for individual differences in language acquisition
- Difficult to apply in large classroom settings
- May not be effective for learners who are not comfortable with social interaction
Errors and Rules in the Learner's Interlanguage
- Definition of Overgeneralization: applying a grammar rule too broadly, even when there are exceptions
Input Hypothesis (Krashen)
- Comprehensible input is essential for successful learning
- i+1: input slightly beyond students' current proficiency level
- Affective filter: emotional factors that can affect language acquisition
- High affective filter can block intake of comprehensible input and impede acquisition
- Low affective filter can facilitate acquisition
Example of Input Hypothesis
- Listening to a podcast slightly above your level of comprehension, leading to gradual improvement over time
Output Hypothesis (Canal and Swain)
- Output is necessary for hypothesis testing
- Importance of corrective feedback
- Example: practicing with a language partner, noticing knowledge gaps, and improving through feedback and active practice
Innate Theory (UG and LAD)
- Language acquisition is possible due to an innate device for language learning (LAD)
- Universal Grammar (UG): fundamental principles that structure language in general
- Humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition
Application to L1 and L2 Scenarios
- Critical period: innate capacity needs to be activated until puberty for L1 mastery
- Critical learning period in L2 learning
- Older learners may advance faster in grammar due to abstract thinking and metalinguistic awareness
- Younger learners may have better pronunciation and attainment due to motor organ development and less inhibition
Weaknesses of Innate Theory
- Does not fully account for environmental factors' influence on language acquisition
- Does not account for individual differences in language acquisition
- Does not explain adult second language learners' ability to acquire language
Constructivism
- Humans perceive and interpret the world in very different ways
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Description
Explore the Interaction Hypothesis, which suggests that language acquisition is a combination of innate abilities and environmental influences, highlighting the importance of social interaction and joint attention in language learning.
