Question

According to Krashen, what impact do negative emotions like fear, stress, or low confidence have on the Affective Filter?

• A. They lower the filter, making language learning easier and more efficient.
• B. They have no significant impact on the filter's function.
• C. They raise the filter, creating a barrier that makes it harder for language input to reach the language acquisition device.
• D. They activate the 'monitor' system, enhancing self-correction.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They raise the filter, creating a barrier that makes it harder for language input to reach the language acquisition device.

Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis: Impact of Negative Emotions

• The Affective Filter Hypothesis is one of five main hypotheses proposed by Stephen Krashen as part of his Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theory.
• It explains the role of affective variables (emotions, attitudes, motivations) in second language acquisition.
• Affective Filter refers to a 'mental block' or 'screen' that can prevent learners from fully utilizing comprehensible input for language acquisition.
• When a learner experiences negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, stress, boredom, or low self-confidence, this filter is said to 'go up' or 'raise.'
• A raised Affective Filter creates a barrier, making the learner less receptive to the language input they are exposed to, even if the input is comprehensible.
• Essentially, it acts as a mental 'gate' that controls how much comprehensible input reaches the Language Acquisition Device (LAD), which is the innate mechanism responsible for acquiring language.
• When the filter is high, less input reaches the LAD, thereby impeding language acquisition. Learners may feel inhibited, defensive, or unmotivated.
• Conversely, when learners are feeling relaxed, motivated, confident, and have low anxiety, the Affective Filter is 'lowered,' allowing more comprehensible input to pass through and be processed by the LAD, thus facilitating acquisition.
• This hypothesis emphasizes the importance of creating a low-anxiety, supportive learning environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.
• Key Facts for Competitive Exams:
  • Krashen's five main hypotheses are: Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, Monitor Hypothesis, Natural Order Hypothesis, Input Hypothesis, and Affective Filter Hypothesis.
  • The Input Hypothesis states that learners acquire language by understanding input that is slightly beyond their current level (i+1).
  • The Monitor Hypothesis distinguishes between 'acquisition' (subconscious process) and 'learning' (conscious process), with learning acting as an 'editor' or 'monitor.'
  • Krashen advocates for a natural approach to language teaching, prioritizing communication and comprehensible input over explicit grammar instruction.
  • His theories heavily influenced communicative language teaching methodologies.