CTET English Pedagogy: Chomsky’s and Stephen Krashen’s Theory of learning and Acquisition

In this article, we will learn about Different theories of learning and Acquisition in English Pedagogy for CTET Paper 1 & 2.

Different theories of learning and Acquisition

Chomsky’s Theory:

•   Children do not learn a new language but naturally, acquire it through an inborn language device. This hypothetical device in the human brain is called a language acquisition device or LAD.

•   All humans have a universal grammar (UG).UG means some grammar rule that is common for all languages.

•   A child acquires vocabulary by language acquisition device and with inborn universal grammar produces sentences.

•   It is a nativist theory of language.

Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second language Acquisition:-

He basically suggests how to acquire a second language (target language) rather than learning. Krashen gives five main hypotheses on second language acquisition.

1. Acquisition-learning hypothesis: Acquisition is better than learning. To create an environment for language acquisition.

2. Monitor hypothesis: After the Acquisition of language when we learn a language in a formal way then we monitor the language.

3. Natural order hypothesis: We must acquire language rules in a natural way.

4. Input hypothesis: Comprehensible input helps in second language acquisition. The input level should be just above the level of the learner.

    5. Affective filter hypothesis: If the factor

1. anxiety is high and

    2. Motivativation and Self-confidence are low

then there is a mental block that prevents input to reach the language acquisition device(LAD).