Summary of Stephen Krashen on Language Acquisition

00:00:00 - 00:15:00

In the video, Stephen Krashen discusses the importance of comprehensible input in language learning. He provides two examples of how this can be achieved, and explains how the process is similar to the way children learn language. He also discusses the Affective Filter Hypothesis and how it relates to success in language acquisition.

• 00:00:00 Stephen Krashen discusses the importance of comprehensible input in language learning, and provides two examples of lessons that demonstrate this point. He notes that, although different methods may be more effective for different people, in the end, all students need to be able to understand messages in order to learn a new language.
• 00:05:00 Stephen Krashen discusses the idea that talking is not actually practicing language, and that it is more effective to focus on comprehensible input instead. He recalls a story of how he unsuccessfully tried to get a 4-year-old girl to speak English by asking her questions and engaging her in conversation. He then explains that this process is similar to the way children learn language in general. After about five months of practicing everyday, Itomi started to speak English fluently.
• 00:10:00 Stephen Krashen explains that when a child starts to speak, it is not the beginning of their language acquisition process. The child has acquired comprehensible input over a period of time, and the result is spoken language. He also discusses the Affective Filter Hypothesis, which posits that there are several factors that relate to success in language acquisition, including motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety. He ends the video by discussing how teachers should integrate the Affective Filter Hypothesis into their teaching.
• 00:15:00 Stephen Krashen discusses the concept of "openness to input" and how it affects language acquisition. He notes that when people are open to input, they are more likely to learn new words and concepts.