Theories of Second Language (L2) Acquisition

( The Input Hypothesis & The Affective Filter Hypothesis )

Learning objectives

At the end of discussion the student must:

1. Identify the two types of Theories of Second Language (L2) Acquisitions

2. Cite the difference between the two types of Theories of Second Language (L2)
Acquisition
3. Relate the significance of learning the Theories of Second Language (L2)
Acquisition

Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language - natural

communication - in which speakers are concerned not with the form of their utterances
but with the messages they are conveying and understanding.

-Stephen Krashen

The Input Hypothesis

• The input hypothesis is Krashen's attempt to explain how the learner acquires a
second language - how second language acquisition takes place.

• The Input hypothesis is only concerned with 'acquisition', not 'learning'.

Comprehensible Input

• also known as i+1 input

• meaning the best input is only one level above the learner's level to maximize
comprehension.

• This allows students to make use of context to understand unknown words or phrases,
as native speakers do.
The Affective Filter Hypothesis

• The Affective Filter Hypothesis is a theory by linguist, Stephen Krashen, suggesting

that there is a psychological wall that affects language acquisition.

• The psychological wall is referred to as the "affective filter". Krashen's theory proposes
that learning a language is affected by a student's emotions.

• It also embodies Krashen's view that a number of 'affective variables' play a facilitative,
but non-causal, role in second language acquisition.

These variables include:

> motivation

> self-confidence

> anxiety and

> personality traits

Why is it important to know about the Affective Filter?

Tips for keeping students affective filter low in the classroom:

 Praise your students!

 Be Patient.
 Have fun!
 Be compassionate.
 Demonstrate an interest in the topics you are teaching.
 Teach what interests your students.
 Value your students' first language and culture.
 Activate your students' prior knowledge.
 Have your students be the teacher.
What do you think is the importance of the Theories of Second Language (L2)
Acquisition in the learnings of the students?