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Language Acquisition

The emperor and the apprentice

{ {Noam Chomsky

Professor Emeritus MIT

“Father of Modern Linguistics”

Universal Grammar Theory

Stephen Krashen

Professor Emeritus USC

350 Books and Papers Published since 1974

5 Theories of Second Language Acquisition

{ In his 1972 book Language

and the Mind Chomsky states that language is innate

“All Children share the same internal constraints which characterize narrowly the grammar they are going to construct”

-Language and Responsibility, 1977 p.98

Noam Chomsky

Language Acquisition Device

The LAD is a postulated organ in the brain that was suggested to perform as a congenital device for language acquisition. This theory stood as the antithesis to B.F. Skinners theories of Classic and Operant Conditioning.

Chomsky rejects the idea that children are born as “tabula rosa” or blank slates. Generative Grammar reveals the explicit and implicit knowledge of the speaker. Linguistics does not include the study of meaning and reference.

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For 40 years Chomsky Defended the LAD he currently favors a parameter setting model of language acquisition called “principles and parameters”

-The Minimalist Program 1995

This change of direction may come from problems with the Universal Grammar Theory mainly L2 learners will say things that don’t fit there L1 or L2 and different motivations to learn an L2

Krashen’s 5 Hypotheses to Language Acquisition:

1. Acquisition Learning

2. Monitor

3. Natural Order

4.Input

5. Affective filter

From: Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition 1987

{ {The Krux of Krashen

Two Systems of language performance acquired and learned.

1. Acquired- Subconscious like how a child learns there L1.

2. Learned- Knowledge gained from formal instruction, grammar of the L2 is picked up this way.

Acquisition Learning Hypothesis

This is the relationship between acquired and learned language. It is a correcting function that should be used sparingly “to give speech a more polished appearance”

what do you mean “more polished”?

Monitor Hypothesis

Based on the findings of Dulay , Burt, Fatham, and Makino during the 1970’s Krashen concluded that independent of age, L1, and conditions of exposure L2 learners will learn grammatical structures in a predictable order almost 100% of the time. However, Krashen rejects grammatical sequencing in instruction.

Natural Order Hypothesis

This only deals with acquisition of L2 not learning. A learner improves when they receive input one step beyond their current competency.

Input Hypothesis (i+1)

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Motivation, self confidence and anxiety play a major roll in L2 learning. Learners with high motivation and self-confidence, with a good self image, a little anxiety best equipped for L2 learning.

Affective Filter Hypothesis

{ {Noam Chomsky

Humans have the ability to learn any language at birth.

Speech is innate we are not blank slates

Stephen Krashen

Acquistion learning, monitor, input, natural order, and affective filter are the 5 pillars of Krashen’s theory.

In closing ;-)