Second Language Acquisition

Teaching the ESOL Student in

the Mainstream Classroom
Module 2 Part 1

Contents:
Language Acquisition Theory
Noam

Chomsky
Stephen Krashen
Jim Cummins

Language Acquisition Theory:

The linguists who have had the most influence in language
acquisition theory are Noam Chomsky, Stephen Krashen, and
Jim Cummins.
Chomskys theories involve the idea that some language learning
ability is innate a part of the human mind. Krashen
emphasizes the social and interpersonal aspects of language.
The distinction between interpersonal and academic language
are the basis of Cummins work.
In this segment, we will learn more about these three linguists and
their contributions to language acquisition theory.

Language Acquisition Theory:

Noam Chomsky

PhD in Linguistics from University

of Pennsylvania (1955)
Joined Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) in 1955
Writes and lectures on linguistics,
philosophy, intellectual history,
contemporary issues, international
affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

Noam Chomsky

Most influential linguist of the 20th century

Some aspects of language are innate a certain
Universal Grammar for language learning exists
within the brain
Universal Grammar guides language development in
any language
Universal Grammar is supported by observations
including:

All human cultures have complex language

Children learn language without formal teaching
Children not exposed to language create their own
Results of traumatic brain injuries

Summary - Chomsky
Key Points:
Some

language ability is innate.

Universal Grammar exists in all languages.

Language Acquisition Theory:

Stephen Krashen

Professor Emeritus, University of

Southern California
Linguist specializing in theories
of language acquisition and
development
Research involving non-English
and bilingual language
acquisition
Widely accepted theory of
second language acquisition

Stephen Krashen
Krashens theory of second language
acquisition includes five main hypotheses:
Acquisition-Learning
Monitor

Hypothesis

Hypothesis
Natural Order Hypothesis
Input Hypothesis
Affective Filter Hypothesis

Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis

Addresses two ways of gaining knowledge of a

second language

Learning is knowing about a language. It involves a

traditional approach of rules of grammar, lists of new
vocabulary words, etc. which requires a conscious
effort.

Acquisition is equivalent to using language for real

communication. It is more like absorbing an
unconscious effort similar to the process seen in an
infant and young child.
.

Monitor Hypothesis
Language

fluency comes from what we have

acquired in natural communication situations.

Formal

knowledge of language (rules) does

not create fluency.

Formal

knowledge allows language learners

to plan and monitor (check and make
corrections) language use when speaking.

Natural Order Hypothesis

Acquisition

of grammar follows a natural

order that is predictable.

Natural

order seems to be independent of

age, first language, culture, etc.

Krashen

does not recommend a programmed

approach when acquisition in the goal.

Input Hypothesis
Relates

to acquisition, not learning.

Learner

makes progress along the natural

order when exposed to input a step beyond
the current stage.

Comprehensible

Input = i+1 = acquisition

Affective Filter Hypothesis

The

emotions of a language learner can

interfere or assist with language acquisition.

Public

speaking can create anxiety, anger,

and embarrassment.

Negative

emotions can create a filter that

blocks new information.

Classrooms

need to be engaging and nonthreatening to increase motivation and

encourage risk taking.

Summary - Krashen
Key Points:
Difference

between language acquisition and

language learning

Study

of grammar not effective in acquisition

Language Acquisition Theory:

Jim Cummins

Born in Dublin, Ireland

Student of bilingual education
(Irish/English)
PhD from University of Alberta in
Edmonton focused on bilingualism,
cognition, and bilingual education
Currently professor in the
Department of Teaching, Learning,
and Curriculum in the Ontario
Institute for Studies in Education of
the University of Toronto
Research focused on bilingualism,
educational barriers, language
learning, and special education

Jim Cummins

Distinguishes between interpersonal

communication skills and cognitive academic
language

Two five years to develop interpersonal

communication skills

Four seven years to develop cognitive

academic language

Jim Cummins

Two types of communication Contextembedded Communication and Contextreduced Communication

Context-embedded: provides support through

visuals, gestures, tone of voice

Content-reduced: fewer clues, telephone,

email, notes

Jim Cummins

Two types of cognitive demands cognitively

undemanding communication and cognitively
demanding communication

Cognitively undemanding minimal abstract

thinking, social conversation, yes/no questions

Cognitively demanding requires analyzing and

synthesizing, abstract concepts, academic
content, and lecture

Summary - Cummins
Key Points:

Language acquisition involves many complex levels

of usage and understanding

Understanding these concepts can help teachers

develop instructional strategies for a variety of
language uses

Bibliography
Baker, Colin. (2003). An Advocate for Tolerance: A Biography of Jim Cummins. The Bilingual Family Newsletter.
http://http://www.multilingual-matters.com/multi/pdf/family_newsletter.pdf. Online.
Center for Applied Linguistics. (2000). Enhancing English Language Learning in Elementary Classrooms. Delta
Publishing Company.
Mason, T. (unknown). Didactics 10-Critique of Krashen VI. IUFM de Versailles.
http://perso.club-internet.fr/tmason/WebPages/LangTeach/Licence/CM/OldLectures/L10_Monitor.htm. Online.
Reed, B. & Railsback, J. (2003). Strategies and Resources for Mainstream Teachers of English Language
Learners. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. http://www.nwrel.org/request/2003may/ell.pdf. Online.
Schtz, Ricardo. (2002). Stephen Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition. English Made in Brazil
http://www.sk.com.br/sk-krash.html. Online.
Unknown. (2003). Bilingual Verbal Ability Tests Author Biography. Riverside Publishing Company. http://
riverpub.com/products/clinical/bvat/cumm.html. Online.
Unknown. (2002). Noam Chomsky Biography. MIT Linguistics.
http://web.mit.edu/linguistics/www/biography/noambio.html. Online.