Psychology of Language

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Input Hypothesis

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Psychology of Language

Definition

The Input Hypothesis is a theory in second language acquisition that suggests learners acquire language most effectively when they are exposed to input that is slightly beyond their current level of proficiency, often referred to as 'i+1'. This theory emphasizes the importance of comprehensible input, meaning that the language input should be understandable to the learner, yet still provide a challenge to promote growth. It highlights how interaction and exposure to natural language use play crucial roles in helping learners develop their language skills.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Input Hypothesis was developed by linguist Stephen Krashen, who argued that exposure to slightly challenging language input is critical for acquiring a second language.
  2. According to the Input Hypothesis, language learners must receive input that is both understandable and slightly more advanced than their current abilities to make progress.
  3. The theory supports the idea that listening and reading in the target language are key activities for building comprehension and fluency.
  4. The Input Hypothesis also indicates that while output (speaking or writing) is important, it is the input that drives language development.
  5. Research has shown that learners exposed to rich, varied, and contextualized language input tend to show more significant gains in language proficiency.

Review Questions

  • How does the Input Hypothesis contribute to our understanding of effective teaching strategies for second language learners?
    • The Input Hypothesis informs teaching strategies by emphasizing the need for comprehensible input tailored to the learner's current proficiency level. Educators can utilize this theory by providing language exposure that challenges students just enough to promote growth without causing frustration. This approach encourages teachers to create environments rich in meaningful interactions and diverse linguistic resources, which helps students acquire new language skills effectively.
  • Discuss the relationship between the Input Hypothesis and the Interaction Hypothesis in the context of second language acquisition.
    • Both the Input Hypothesis and Interaction Hypothesis highlight the importance of exposure and interaction in learning a new language, but they focus on different aspects. The Input Hypothesis centers on the significance of receiving comprehensible input that is slightly beyond a learner's current level, while the Interaction Hypothesis emphasizes how social interaction facilitates negotiation of meaning, which helps learners process and understand new language structures. Together, these theories suggest that active engagement with both spoken and written language input is crucial for effective second language acquisition.
  • Evaluate the implications of Krashen's Input Hypothesis on curriculum design for second language education.
    • Krashen's Input Hypothesis has significant implications for curriculum design, encouraging educators to incorporate diverse and accessible resources that provide comprehensible input. This includes integrating authentic materials, fostering opportunities for meaningful communication, and ensuring tasks are appropriately challenging. As a result, curricula should prioritize exposure to a wide range of linguistic contexts while allowing students to interact with peers and teachers in ways that encourage growth. Overall, applying this hypothesis can lead to more effective educational practices that enhance student engagement and facilitate deeper understanding of the target language.
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