RICE

Pedagogy of Language Development

Pedagogy of Language Development: Acquisition vs Learning

Fundamental Concepts

Language Acquisition

  • Natural, subconscious and informal process.
  • Usually develops through exposure to meaningful communication.
  • Generally associated with mother tongue / First Language (L1).
  • No formal grammar instruction required.

Language Learning

  • Conscious and formal process, usually in classrooms.
  • Involves grammar rules, sentence structures and vocabulary.
  • Develops explicit knowledge about language.
  • Generally associated with Second / Foreign Language (L2).

Major Theories

Stephen Krashen – Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis

  • Two systems: subconscious Acquisition and conscious Learning.
  • Monitor Hypothesis: Learned grammar checks and corrects acquired speech.
  • Input Hypothesis: Comprehensible Input (i+1), slightly above current level, promotes acquisition.
  • Affective Filter: Anxiety and low confidence block acquisition.

Noam Chomsky – Nativist Theory

  • Humans have an innate language-learning ability.
  • LAD: Language Acquisition Device.
  • UG: Universal Grammar, common structural principles of languages.
  • Children create new grammatical sentences, proving language is not merely imitation.

B.F. Skinner – Behaviorist Theory

  • Language develops through stimulus, response, imitation and reinforcement.
  • Learning occurs through habit formation.
  • Foundation of the Audio-lingual Method, using repetition and drills.

Lev Vygotsky – Social Interactionist Theory

  • Language develops through social interaction and culture.
  • ZPD: Difference between independent performance and performance with guidance.
  • MKO: More Knowledgeable Other.
  • Scaffolding: Guided support.
  • Social speech → Private speech → Inner speech.

Important Pedagogical Points

  1. LSRW: Listening → Speaking → Reading → Writing.
  2. i+1: Meaningful input slightly above the learner’s level.
  3. Affective Filter: Reduce fear, anxiety and excessive correction.
  4. Silent Period: Beginners may listen and absorb before speaking. Do not force early speech.