Languages Learning theories
Language Learning Theories
Basically, the first language is the language that is acquired by everybody in the world in childhood. It is a universal method for all human beings. The second language is the language that people learned after his/her native language. Normally, second language learners tend to study L2 for their individual purposes such as educational, official etc. Therefore there are various theories in second language learning such as Behaviourism, Krashen Monitor Model Hypothesis, and Innatism, etc. Furthermore in this paper, the discussion is about the theories on second language learning.
Behaviourism
Behaviorism is a theory that basically not only discusses L1 acquisition/learning but also discusses second language learning. The theory is based on the conception of reinforcement and response. Normally for this theory language learning is a type of imitation that children tend to imitate what they hear and learn from the environment. It means imitation, practice, and reinforcement are the main principles of this theory. According to this theory, the most essential fact is that the teacher should pay special attention to L2 learners. Furthermore, teachers should give the learners more opportunities for language exposure during the class time. Because sometimes L2 learners do not have good opportunities for L2 exposure when they are out of the class. So sometimes imitation could be limited.
Furthermore, the teacher can give more input and encouragement to the learners in several ways such as creating a target language environment in the classroom. And the teacher can take steps to publish the related pictures and hang them on the wall so that they can see them always. Then the teacher can expose them to the native speakers' speeches and show short video clips to improve pronunciation and usage. Then the reinforcement is another important fact that teachers should consider. In that case, reinforcement should be positive reinforcement such as giving presents and appreciating what they have done. Then the learner's desire and encouragement in learning L2 may increase motivation and tend to study hard. And another fact is to correct the errors of learners and they should be corrected at the moment because it could be affected further and become a habit. So teachers should allow more opportunities as well as practices. So here the emphasis of this theory is providing more practice in learning L2 to gain knowledge practically. Therefore the teachers have to respond to their problems while learning L2. So teacher's responsibility towards L2 learners should be positive.
Krashen's Monitor Model
The monitor model hypothesis is one of the best theories introduced by Krashen. It has included five hypotheses that discuss second language learning. And it is very essential in learning and as well as in teaching L2. So, the five hypotheses are as following ;
1. The Acquisition-learning hypothesis
2. The Natural order hypothesis
3. The Input hypothesis
4. Affective filter hypothesis
5. The monitor Hypothesis
i. The Acquisition - learning hypothesis
The acquisition and learning are different from each other terms of language learning. Basically, acquisition learning indicates the subconscious process that every child acquires their first language. On the other hand, learning refers to a conscious method that learners have to learn in order. In this case, there are several situations in acquisition such as they need natural communication, informal situation, depends on attitude, and usages of grammatical feels. and in the same manner in L2 learning there are several situations such as formal situation, depends on aptitude, and usage of grammar and rules. even though they are differentiating language learning and acquisition teachers can use both processes effectively in teaching.
ii. The Natural Order Hypothesis
This significant hypothesis claims that we acquire parts of a language predictable order. it means that in learning and teaching should have a natural order from easiest to harder. Some grammatical items tend to come earlier in the acquisition than others. for example; the -ing progressive is acquired fairly early in first language acquisition, while third-person singular -s is acquired later.
This is another hypothesis that Krashen tends to explain input knowledge of learners should be increased gradually in a proper manner. If the teachers always teach the same lesson or the same topic then the learner's knowledge is remaining at the same level. Therefore, the teacher should input 1 level to another level according to the L2 learners. Since not all of the learners can be at the same level of linguistic competence at the same time, therefore Krashen suggests that natural communicative input is the key to designing a syllabus, ensuring in this way that each learner will receive some 'i + 1' input that is appropriate for his/her current stage of linguistic competence.
iv. Affective Filter Hypothesis
This is the fourth hypothesis of Krashen that explains there are affective factors affects while learning any target languages. According to the affective filter certain negative emotions such as low motivation, self-confidence, anxiety demotivate the learners, to acquire the second language. It means, reduces the amount of language input the listener is able to understand. These negative emotions prevent efficient processing of the language input. therefore, positive effects are very important while learning the L2 learners.
v. The Monitor Hypothesis
Normally monitor hypothesis is a device to monitor or edits the learner's output. it is supposed to be responsible for editing, making corrections consciously. So this is a learning prosses, not the acquisition method. According to Krashen such explicit and international learning should be avoided because it may block the acquisition process. Accordingly, the learned system works as an editor making minor changes and polishing what the acquired system has produced. sometimes learners are under pressure monitor might not working or not operating, but in conscious speech and in writing monitor edits the language. This is the method of the Monitor hypothesis.
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