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Five Hypotheses
1. The Acquisition Learning Hypothesis: There is a distinct difference between acquiring and
learning a second language.
Acquisition is a natural language development process that occurs when the target language is
used for real communication, often in informal situations. It is implicit and subconscious. It
does not explicitly teach grammar.
Language learning is the explicit, formal or conscious study of language forms and functions.
It uses and teacher grammatical rules and is highly dependent on aptitude.
Learning cannot turn into acquisition.
Only acquired language is available for natural, fluent communication.
“Language is best taught when it is being used to transmit messages, not when it is explicitly
taught for conscious learning.” (Krashen)- Language is acquired when messages are
understood.
2. The Monitor Hypothesis: The formal study of language leads to the development of an
internal grammar monitor.
As a learner produces sentences, the grammar monitor monitors the output in order to ensure
proper usage.
In order for a learner to use the monitor, three conditions are necessary: sufficient time, a focus
on form, and explicit knowledge of the rules.
The focus on language teaching should be on communication, not simply rule learning.