Krashen’s second language acquisition theory (Monitor Model) was the first theory about second language acquisition (SLA) that made clear how we acquire language. The Monitor theory is the theory that had the most influence in second language research and since 1980s has influenced SLA significantly. Despite its importance, the Monitor Model has received a lot of criticism.
The monitor Model in some cases is also called the “Natural Theory” as the term “natural” is used to emphasize the fundamentals behind the effective second language acquisition.
2. Krashen’s five hypotheses about second language acquisition
The second language acquisition theory consists of five hypotheses: the acquisition – learning hypothesis; the natural order hypothesis;
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Language acquisition is the subconscious system by which we incorporate the second language and by emphasizing on the meaning rather than the form of the language. In most of the times, the learner is unaware he is acquiring language although he is aware of the fact that he is using language to communicate. A further description was made by S. Krashen (1982, p.10) on his acquisition theory. He concluded that the learner is generally not consciously aware of the rules of the grammar he has acquired. One other aspect, the acquired competence, which is the result of language acquisition, is also considered subconscious. Acquisition is as well described as the naturalistic …show more content…
At the final part of this hypothesis Krashen says that in order to speak the learner has to be provided with comprehensible input. Krashen says that speaking fluency is something that cannot be taught directly. Rather, it "emerges" over time, on its own (1982, p.23). Early speech happens when the learner feels it is the “right time”. This feeling however, it differs from learner to learner. Moreover, it is noticed that early speech is frequently not grammatically accurate. Accuracy can be achieved over time as the learner comes across more input.
2.4 The monitor