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Language Learning Theory In a nutshell

Acquisition v Learning According to Stephen Krashen, we can acquire or learn a language.

Acquisition is the natural process that occurs as we try to communicate. Learning is the less effective process of formal

instruction.

i +1 Language learners improve when the language input is just one step

beyond current ability. Input in this range is comprehensible and enables learning to take place.

Affective filter Learners cannot learn if they feel anxiety, embarrassment or low

self-esteem. In this situation they create an affective filter – a block on learning. Teachers need to help reduce the affective filter.

Monitor hypothesis Learners have an internal monitor that uses learned language rules to check, edit and correct language use. Over-use and under-use of

the monitor affects language acquisition.

Comprehensible Output Comprehensible output is the theory that learners improve when, through use of language, they find gaps in their ability, reflect on this

gap and so learn something new.