Acquisition Theories

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Second Language Acquisition Theories
It has been repeatedly shown in many theories that the way in which people learn secondary and tertiary languages are similar to the way people lean their primary language. Chomsky looked at syntax within languages and helped to provide a natural resource in terms of structuring research techniques and line of questioning. In studies concerning children it was found that the social environment affects language acquisition. It s also found that there is also a significant connection between language and culture. Behaviorists focus on the audiolingual method in which children first listen and speak prior to learning to read and write (drill and practice). Innatists believe in creative constructive theory in which children acquiring the second language construct their rules for the second language similar to that of their primary language. Krashen as five hypotheses concerning acquisition of a second language; these include:
1. The acquisition hypothesis which states that there is a difference between acquiring and learning a second language.
2. The monitor hypothesis, which states that when a person formally learns a language, they develop and internal grammar check.
3. The natural order hypothesis which is the belief that there is a natural process when learning a new language.
4. The input hypothesis which states when one is acquiring a language, they must understand the language, its context and be aware that there are things that they do not know yet.
5. The affective filter hypothesis states that social-emotional variables such as student motivation, minimal anxiety, self confidence and self esteem can benefit the process of acquiring a second language....