Question

According to Krashen, what is a crucial characteristic of the 'acquired' system of language?

• A. A. It is developed through conscious study and rule application.
• B. B. It is stable and resistant to change once formed.
• C. C. It is used for spontaneous, fluent communication.
• D. D. It requires significant cognitive effort during use.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. C. It is used for spontaneous, fluent communication.

Understanding Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition

• Stephen Krashen's Monitor Model:

  • Stephen Krashen is a prominent linguist and educational researcher who proposed a highly influential theory of second language acquisition, known as the 'Monitor Model'.
  • His theory distinguishes between two independent systems of language knowledge: acquisition and learning.

• The Acquired System (Acquisition):

  • This refers to the subconscious process of 'picking up' a language, similar to how children acquire their first language.
  • It is an intuitive and natural process that occurs without conscious effort or attention to grammatical rules.
  • The crucial characteristic of the acquired system is its role in facilitating spontaneous, fluent communication. It is the primary system for language production and comprehension.
  • Acquired knowledge is often referred to as 'competence' or an 'intuitive feel' for the language.
  • Example: A child learning their native language through natural interaction and exposure, or an adult immigrant learning a new language by living in the target language environment and interacting with native speakers without formal instruction.

• The Learned System (Learning):

  • This refers to the conscious process of studying and understanding a language. It involves explicit instruction, memorizing grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and conscious error correction.
  • The learned system results in 'knowing about' the language, rather than the ability to use it spontaneously.
  • It acts as a 'Monitor' or 'editor' for the output of the acquired system, allowing learners to correct their speech or writing before or after production, but only when time, focus on form, and knowledge of the rules are present.
  • Example: A student consciously studying grammar rules in a traditional classroom setting, focusing on verb conjugations or sentence structures.

• Other Key Hypotheses in Krashen's Monitor Model:

  • The Monitor Hypothesis: Explains how the conscious 'learned' knowledge is used to monitor and correct the output generated by the 'acquired' system.
  • The Natural Order Hypothesis: Suggests that language rules are acquired in a predictable sequence, regardless of the learner's age or background.
  • The Input Hypothesis: States that language acquisition occurs when learners receive comprehensible input (i+1), meaning input that is slightly beyond their current level of competence but still understandable.
  • The Affective Filter Hypothesis: Proposes that emotional factors such as motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety can either facilitate or impede language acquisition by forming a mental 'filter'. A low affective filter (e.g., low anxiety) is conducive to acquisition.

• Implication for Language Teaching:

  • Krashen's theory emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment to foster acquisition, rather than solely focusing on explicit grammar instruction.
  • For competitive exams, understanding the distinct roles of 'acquisition' and 'learning' and their respective characteristics is fundamental to answering questions related to Krashen's theory.