Acquisition Theories Flashcards

According to Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis, which condition MOST helps language acquisition?

Answer: Low anxiety and a supportive environment

Krashen argued that a low affective filter—achieved through low anxiety and emotional safety—allows input to reach the language acquisition device more effectively.

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in language learning refers to:

Answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and with expert guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a learner's independent ability and what they can achieve with skilled assistance, making it a key concept in social interactionist theory.

Which theorist is most closely associated with the concept of 'scaffolding' in second language acquisition?

Answer: Lev Vygotsky

Scaffolding, derived from Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, refers to temporary support provided by a more skilled person to help a learner accomplish tasks within their ZPD.

The 'Critical Period Hypothesis' in SLA suggests that:

Answer: There is a biologically determined window for optimal language acquisition

The Critical Period Hypothesis, associated with Lenneberg, proposes that there is a biologically optimal window—typically ending around puberty—for acquiring language with native-like proficiency.

In Behaviorist theory (Skinner), second language acquisition is primarily explained by:

Answer: Habit formation through stimulus-response and reinforcement

Skinner's behaviorist view holds that language is learned through conditioning—correct responses are reinforced and incorrect ones are extinguished, forming habits.

Which of the following best describes 'comprehensible input' in Krashen's model?

Answer: Input that is slightly beyond the learner's current level (i+1)

Krashen's Input Hypothesis states that acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language just beyond their current competence, represented as i+1.

Swain's Output Hypothesis argues that language production helps learners because it:

Answer: Forces learners to notice gaps in their linguistic knowledge

Merrill Swain proposed that producing language (output) pushes learners to notice what they cannot yet express, prompting them to seek solutions and develop accuracy.