Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition

1. Language Acquisition Happens Subconsciously Through Comprehensible Input

"Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill."

Input is the Primary Mechanism. Language is not learned through conscious memorization or repetitive exercises, but through understanding meaningful messages. The human brain has a natural capacity to acquire language when exposed to comprehensible input that is slightly beyond the current level of understanding.

Key Components of Comprehensible Input:

• Must be understandable to the learner
• Should contain language structures just beyond current competence
• Requires context and extra-linguistic support
• Focuses on meaning, not grammatical form

Natural Learning Process. The brain subconsciously processes language when the input is meaningful, interesting, and at the right complexity level. This process is similar to how children acquire their first language, suggesting that adults retain this innate learning capability.

2. The Natural Order of Language Learning is Predictable

"Acquirers of a given language tend to acquire certain grammatical structures early, and others later."

Consistent Developmental Stages. Research demonstrates that language learners, regardless of their first language, follow a remarkably consistent progression in acquiring grammatical structures. This natural order is not random but follows predictable patterns.

Acquisition Sequence Characteristics:

• Some grammatical elements are acquired earlier than others
• The order is similar across different languages
• Individual variations exist, but core patterns remain consistent
• Morphological elements often follow a specific developmental trajectory

Implications for Teaching. Traditional grammatical sequencing in language instruction does not align with this natural acquisition order. Educators should focus on providing comprehensive, comprehensible input rather than forcing a predetermined grammatical progression.

3. Conscious Grammar Learning Has Limited Value

"Learning has only one function, and that is as a Monitor, or editor."

Conscious Learning is Peripheral. Formal grammar instruction and conscious rule learning play a minimal role in actual language acquisition. Most grammatical rules cannot be effectively applied in real-time communication.

Monitor Hypothesis Key Points:

• Conscious grammar can only edit language after production
• Most people can learn and apply only a tiny fraction of grammatical rules
• Complex grammatical rules are difficult to consciously manipulate
• Acquisition occurs subconsciously through input, not conscious learning

Individual Variation. Some individuals are more adept at consciously applying grammatical rules, but this ability is rare and does not significantly contribute to overall language proficiency.

4. The Affective Filter Impacts Language Learning

"Acquirers with optimal attitudes are hypothesized to have 'low' affective filters."

Psychological Barriers to Learning. Emotional and psychological factors significantly influence language acquisition. A high "affective filter" can block language input, while a low filter allows more effective learning.

Key Affective Factors:

• Motivation
• Self-confidence
• Anxiety levels
• Psychological openness to learning

Creating Optimal Learning Environments. Language teachers should focus on creating low-stress, supportive environments that encourage learners to engage with language without fear of judgment or failure.

5. Classroom Methods Matter Less Than Input Quality

"The solution to our problems in language teaching lies not in expensive equipment, exotic methods, sophisticated linguistic analyses, or new laboratories, but in full utilization of what we already have."

Quality of Input Trumps Teaching Method. The specific teaching approach is less important than the quality and nature of language input provided to learners.

Effective Language Learning Principles:

• Comprehensible input is more crucial than teaching technique
• Interesting and relevant content matters more than methodological complexity
• Natural communication should be prioritized over artificial exercises
• Student engagement is key to successful language acquisition

Practical Implications. Educational institutions should focus on creating environments rich in meaningful, contextual language experiences rather than implementing increasingly complex teaching methodologies.

6. Optimal Language Learning Requires Interesting and Relevant Content

"The best input is so interesting and relevant that the acquirer may even 'forget' that the message is encoded in a foreign language."

Engagement Drives Learning. Language acquisition is most effective when learners are genuinely interested in the content and forget they are learning a language.

Content Selection Strategies:

• Choose topics personally relevant to learners
• Allow students to generate input
• Focus on genuine communication
• Avoid artificially constructed linguistic exercises

Overcoming Classroom Limitations. Traditional classroom settings often struggle to provide truly engaging content, necessitating creative approaches to language instruction.

7. Conversation and Reading Are Powerful Language Acquisition Tools

"Conversation has the best chance of meeting this requirement of all the methods we have considered."

Natural Learning Environments. Real conversations and pleasure reading provide superior language acquisition opportunities compared to structured classroom learning.

Advantages of Authentic Language Exposure:

• Provides comprehensible, contextual input
• Reduces psychological barriers
• Allows learners to regulate input complexity
• Encourages genuine communication skills

Recommended Learning Strategies:

• Engage in conversations with sympathetic native speakers
• Read materials of personal interest
• Focus on understanding messages, not grammatical perfection

8. Subject Matter Teaching Can Accelerate Language Learning

"Subject matter teaching can not only teach subject matter but the language it is taught in as well, as long as the input is made comprehensible."

Content-Based Language Acquisition. Teaching academic subjects in the target language can dramatically improve language skills by providing meaningful, contextual input.

Successful Implementation Strategies:

• Create specialized classes for language learners
• Adjust linguistic complexity to student proficiency
• Focus on content comprehension
• Reduce linguistic performance pressure

Proven Approach. Immersion programs demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching academic subjects in the target language, showing significant language acquisition benefits.

9. Testing Should Encourage Language Acquisition, Not Just Measure Knowledge

"Tests have a huge impact on classroom behavior, and need to be selected to encourage students to engage in activities that will help them acquire more language."

Transformative Assessment Approach. Language tests should motivate continued learning and provide opportunities for language acquisition, not just evaluate current knowledge.

Recommended Testing Strategies:

• Focus on reading comprehension
• Assess conversational management skills
• Encourage authentic language use
• Minimize grammatical error emphasis

Backwash Effect. The method of testing significantly influences student learning behaviors, making it crucial to design assessments that promote genuine language acquisition.

10. Individual Variation Exists in Language Learning Capabilities

"Acquisition is more central, and learning of less use to second language performance."

Personal Learning Differences. Language acquisition potential varies among individuals, influenced by psychological, cognitive, and environmental factors.

Factors Affecting Language Learning:

• Motivation levels
• Psychological openness
• Exposure to comprehensible input
• Individual cognitive processing capabilities

Personalized Approach. Recognizing and accommodating individual differences can help create more effective language learning experiences.

Last updated: February 27, 2025