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Talking With Stephen Krashen: How Do We Acquire Language?

Matt vs Japan・53 minutes read

Dr. Stephen Krashen's input hypothesis focuses on language acquisition through comprehensible input, emphasizing the subconscious nature of learning over conscious study. The importance of providing understandable content and the impact of input on language acquisition is highlighted in promoting fluency and authentic language use.

Insights

  • Language acquisition is primarily achieved through comprehensible input rather than conscious studying or memorization, as emphasized by Dr. Stephen Krashen's input hypothesis, which distinguishes between acquisition and learning processes.
  • The spread of Dr. Krashen's input hypothesis faces obstacles from financial interests in traditional language teaching methods; however, the provision of engaging and understandable content in multiple languages, akin to customizable platforms like Netflix, is crucial for effective language acquisition and proficiency.

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Recent questions

  • How is language acquired?

    Language is acquired through comprehensible input, not memorization.

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Summary

00:00

"Input Hypothesis: Language Acquisition through Comprehensible Input"

  • Dr. Stephen Krashen, the originator of the input hypothesis, is a key figure in language learning techniques.
  • The core contribution of Dr. Krashen's thesis is that language is acquired through comprehensible input, not through speaking, studying, or memorization.
  • Language acquisition occurs subconsciously, while learning involves conscious understanding of language rules.
  • Dr. Krashen's research was influenced by previous work on literacy by Frank Smith and Kenneth Goodman.
  • The discovery of two language systems, acquisition and learning, was prompted by research on the order of acquisition of grammatical morphemes.
  • Testing situations can lead to different language competence levels compared to natural speaking situations, highlighting the impact of conscious learning.
  • Dr. Krashen emphasizes the importance of comprehensible input in language acquisition over conscious grammar study.
  • Mistakes in language learning are not detrimental, as emphasized by language therapist Steve Kaufman.
  • Dr. Krashen's personal experience in learning Spanish highlights the benefits of focusing on communication over grammar rules.
  • The spread of Dr. Krashen's input hypothesis is hindered by financial interests in the language learning industry, as it challenges traditional teaching methods and materials.

16:05

Effective Input for Language Acquisition and Fluency

  • Creating comprehensible input for beginners is crucial for language acquisition.
  • The potential for profit lies in providing interesting and understandable content in various languages.
  • A vision of customizable language learning platforms like Netflix for multiple languages is ideal.
  • Graded readers are essential for easy and enjoyable language acquisition.
  • The order of language acquisition cannot be altered, emphasizing the importance of input.
  • Stories play a significant role in language acquisition for all age groups.
  • Output in language learning has a limited impact compared to input.
  • Personal experiences suggest that speaking practice enhances language retrieval and fluency.
  • Consistent reading in a target language can significantly improve speaking skills.
  • Informal evidence suggests that regular reading in a foreign language can lead to noticeable improvements in speaking abilities.

32:03

Language Learning: Immersion, Fluency, and Authenticity

  • The speaker shares their language learning journey, spending time in Japan and immersing themselves in the language.
  • They emphasize the importance of input in language acquisition, leading to fluency and better pronunciation.
  • Examples are given of Europeans achieving near-native fluency in English through online exposure.
  • The speaker discusses the benefits of speaking a language regularly for improved automaticity and emotional expression.
  • They express agreement with the idea that any level of language ability is enriching.
  • The speaker aims to achieve near-perfection in Japanese, acknowledging this goal may not be universal.
  • The discussion shifts to the concept of fossilization in language learning, where progress plateaus despite fluency.
  • An anecdote is shared about language acquisition and the need to feel like a member of the language group for authentic usage.
  • The speaker explores the idea of method acting to improve language accent authenticity.
  • The importance of pitch accent in Japanese language learning is highlighted, with the speaker sharing their journey in improving this aspect through focused listening.

46:32

Challenges and Strategies in Language Acquisition

  • Conscious monitoring of language output is challenging and not efficient for control.
  • Monitoring input to potentially acquire more aspects of a language is a hypothesis that requires experimental testing.
  • Regular interaction with native speakers, like close friends or a partner, aids in language acquisition.
  • Acquiring accents and language aspects from group memberships or interactions is common.
  • Early output in a language, without proper acquisition, may lead to forming bad habits and unnatural speech.
  • The possibility of acquiring from one's own output remains uncertain and requires further study.
  • Using conscious knowledge to make input more comprehensible, like memorizing words and structures, can aid in language acquisition.
  • Compelling but incomprehensible input, like real TV shows, can still be beneficial for language learning.
  • Simplifying scientific writing and making it more accessible through open access journals and social media platforms is crucial for advancing language acquisition research.
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