Stephen

Krashen
Krashen's well-known Second Language
Acquisition Theory significantly created a
huge impacting all areas of second
language teaching and research.
Input Hypothesis
The Input hypothesis is Krashen's
attempt to explain how the learner
acquires a second language – how
second language acquisition takes
place.
• The Input hypothesis is only concerned with
‘acquisition’ not 'learning'.
• Krashen states that in order to cause a
second language acquisition to occur, it is
necessary for learners to understand input
language.
 • Comprehensible input is language
input that can be understood by
listeners despite them not
understanding all the words and
Comprehensible structures in it.
Input
• Stephen Krashen thinks that
comprehensible input is the
most important factor, in
acquaring or learning a
language.
Escuchar a todos porque nuestra lección
requiere una comprensión más
profunda. Según esta hipótesis, los
resultados de la adquisición de una
segunda lengua están relacionados con
la entrada que recibe el adquirente.
 • “i+1’’means the
• “i” is the
language that
learners’
learners are
previously
exposed to should
acquired
• concept of be just far enough
linguistic
“i+1’’ beyond their current
competence
principle competence that
• “+1” is the next
they can
stage of
understand most of
language
it but still be
acquisition.
challenged to make
progress.
 Input
Hypothesis

In accordance with the input

hypothesis, speaking ability

emerges on its own after enough

competence has been developed

by listening and understanding.

 In, Input hypothesis ,children
Listening to the target
go through a silent period
language helps learner before they begin to speak the
acquires language if it language. When children are
first exposed to a second
is comprehensible.
language, frequently they
focus on listening and
comprehension
Silent period is a varying
period of time during which
a new language learners are
often very quiet, speaking
little as they focus on
understanding the new
language round the learners
Evidence for the
Input Hypothesis
(chiefly Krashen
1985a)
 i.
People speak to children
acquiring their first language in
special ways
ii.
People speak to L2 learners
in special ways
iii.
L2 learners often go through
an initial Silent Period
iv.
The comparative success of
younger and older learners reflects
provision of comprehensible input
v.
The more comprehensible input
the greater the L2 proficiency
vi
Lack of comprehensible
input delays language
acquisition
vii.
Teaching methods work
according to the extent that
they use comprehensible input
viii.
Immersion teaching is
successful because it provides
comprehensible input
ix.
Bilingual programs succeed
to the extent they provide
comprehensible input
 The Affective Filter Hypothesis
• According to krashen one obstacle that manifests itself during language

acquisition is the affective filter, that is "screen" that is influenced by emotional

variables that can prevent learning.

• A number of 'affective variables' have impacts in second language acquisition.

These variables include motivation, self-confidence, anxiety and personality

traits.

• Low motivation, low self-esteem, anxiety, introversion and inhibition and

affective filter and form a mental block that prevents comprehensible input from

being used for a acquisition.

• High motivation, self-confidence, a good self image, a low level of anxiety and

extraversion can lower the affective filter and bring success in second language

acquisition
In any aspects of education it is always

important to create a safe, welcoming

environment in which the student can

learn. In language education this may be

especially important since in order to

take in and produce language, learners

need to feel that they are able to make

mistakes and take risk.