Slowly Spoken Finnish - Comprehensible Input - Adults learn by doing

Описание: Slowly Spoken Finnish - Comprehensible Input - Adults learn by doing

Comprehensible input is a concept in language acquisition theory that was proposed by linguist Stephen Krashen. According to Krashen, language learners acquire a second language best when they are exposed to input that is slightly beyond their current level of linguistic competence but still comprehensible to them. In other words, learners should be able to understand the general meaning of the input, even if they don't understand every single word or grammatical structure.

Krashen's theory, often referred to as the Input Hypothesis, suggests that comprehensible input plays a crucial role in language acquisition. When learners are exposed to meaningful and understandable input, they are more likely to develop their language skills naturally, without the need for explicit instruction or grammar-focused activities. This is because the brain processes and internalizes the linguistic patterns and structures it encounters in the input, gradually building up a mental representation of the language.

To make input comprehensible, various techniques can be employed. One common strategy is the use of contextual clues, such as gestures, visuals, or real-life situations, to help learners understand the meaning of words or phrases. Simplifying language by using shorter sentences, slower speech, or simpler vocabulary is also helpful. Additionally, providing opportunities for interaction and negotiation of meaning between learners and fluent speakers can enhance the comprehensibility of input.

Comprehensible input is particularly associated with natural language acquisition, as observed in young children acquiring their first language. However, it is also relevant to second language acquisition in both children and adults. The concept highlights the importance of exposure to meaningful and understandable language input, emphasizing immersion, authentic communication, and engagement with the language in various contexts.

It's important to note that while comprehensible input is considered a vital component of language acquisition, it's not the only factor at play. Other elements, such as motivation, individual learner differences, and opportunities for practice and feedback, also contribute to the overall language learning process.