What is the book about?
The book is about the input hypothesis, one of the most important hypotheses of Krashen's theory of language acquisition.
What problem was the author trying to solve?
He was trying to further explain the input hypothesis and defend it against attacks.
How did the author define certain terms?
* affective filter: A mental block, caused by affective factors (high anxiety, low self-esteem, low motivation), that prevents input from reaching the language-acquisition device.
* Input Hypothesis: We acquire i +1, the ‘next’ rule along the natural order, by understanding messages containing i + 1. A necessary but not sufficient condition for acquisition.
* Natural Approach: Method for elementary language teaching that emphasizes presentation of comprehensible input in the classroom. Includes TPR. Developed by Tracy Terrell (Terrell 1977, 1981; Krashen and Terrell 1983).
* theory:
1. An untested idea.
2. A set of hypotheses with empirical support that attempts to explain phenomena and provide ‘a sense of understanding’ (Reynolds 1971). Second-language acquisition theory attempts to be a theory in the second sense.
What are the main arguments? Do I agree?
Krashen's main argument is that the input hypothesis holds and that seeming evidence to the contrary was misinterpreted.
What did I learn?
I learned more about the natural method and how it works in practice.
Which facts, ideas or principles do I want to remember the most?
* When the attention is on the message, not the medium, it results in optimal language acquisition.
* Comprehensible subject-matter teaching is language teaching.
* There may be such a thing as an output filter.
* Certain situation with greater focus on communication (e.g. debates) can seem to unlock capabilities students weren't aware of.
* Feeling inferior to another person or being self-conscious can block fluency and accuracy
* It's sometimes better if students can respond in their own language or through gestures (Total Physical Response).
* Attaining ultimate fluency:
* Very low affective filter may be necessary.
* In order to speak like a native, you have to see yourself as a ‘member of the club’ of native speakers, you have to integrate fully.
* Even very advanced acquirers (and some native speakers) have gaps, and it is not desirable to wait for acquisition to fill all of them.
Which of my beliefs were challenged?
None, except maybe that grammar teaching does play a role in order to gain ultimate fluency.
I gained more confidence in the input hypothesis by his discussion of the issues positions "learning must precede acquisition", "leaning can become acquisition", "acquisition can be indirectly aided by learning", of which only the last has merit.
How did my life change by reading this book?
I became a better German teacher by becoming more familiar with the principles of language acquisition.
What are action items I learned that I need to implement as soon as possible?
I learned many facts I already integrated in my language courses.
What else did I like about the book?
I like Krashen's scientific writing style. He neither dramatizes nor exaggerates.
Which other books were mentioned or recommended?
* Rainbow collection: A natural approach to teaching English as a second language by Marino, Alvarez-Martini, Raley, Terrell (1984, Northvale, NJ: Santillana)
* Principles and Practice Second Language Acquisition by Stephen D. Krashen
* A Handbook for Citizenship by Margaret Seely (such a book also helps immigrants learn the language: on subject matter, written with comprehensibility in mind)
What were the most memorable quotes?
* “The child's reluctance to speak for the first few months of his residence in a new country is not pathological, but normal.”
* "Older acquirers progress more quickly in early stages because they obtain more comprehensible input, while younger acquirers do better in the long run because of their lower affective filters."
* “What immersion has taught us is that comprehensible subject-matter teaching is language teaching — the subject matter class is a language class if it is made comprehensible. In fact, the subject-matter class may even be better than the language class for language acquisition.”
Short Overview
Five Hypothesis
1. Acquisition-Learning
2. Natural Order
3. Monitor
4. Input
5. Affective Filter
Other proposed Hypothesis:
* Output
The four stages of acquisition
1. General language teaching
1. pre-speech stage
2. early production
3. extending production
2. Sheltered language teaching
3. Partial mainstream
4. Full mainstream