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2 Language Learning

This document provides an introduction to linguistics. It defines language as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. It discusses several views of language, including that language is primarily for communication, vocal in nature, and a system of interconnected systems. The document also outlines several theories of language learning, including behaviorist theory focusing on conditioning, cognitive theory emphasizing an innate language acquisition device, and Krashen's monitor model comprising acquisition, natural order, monitor, input, and affective filter hypotheses.

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Alexander Ymon Claro
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116 views21 pages

2 Language Learning

This document provides an introduction to linguistics. It defines language as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. It discusses several views of language, including that language is primarily for communication, vocal in nature, and a system of interconnected systems. The document also outlines several theories of language learning, including behaviorist theory focusing on conditioning, cognitive theory emphasizing an innate language acquisition device, and Krashen's monitor model comprising acquisition, natural order, monitor, input, and affective filter hypotheses.

Uploaded by

Alexander Ymon Claro
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS

Key points in this unit


1 About LANGUAGE
 The definition of Language
 Views about Language

2 Theories on Language Learning




Linguistics

Linguistics, simply, is the study of language.
Then,

Whatis languages ?


Is language human specific ? Do
animals have language?
The definition of Language
 Language is purely human and non-instinctive
method of communicating ideas, emotions and
desires by means of voluntarily produced
symbols (Sapir, 1921).
 Language is a system of arbitrary, vocal
symbols which permit all people in a given
culture, or other people who have learned the
system of that culture to communicate or to
interact (Finocchiaro, 1965).
The definition of Language
 Language is a system of communication by
sound, operating through the organs of
speech, among members of a given
community, and using vocal symbols
possessing arbitrary conventional meaning
(Pei, 1966)
The definition of Language
The generally accepted definition:
Language is a system of arbitrary
vocal symbols used for human
communication (Wardhaugh,
1972).
VIEWS ABOUT LANGUAGE
1. LANGUAGE IS A MEANS
OF COMMUNICATION.
2. LANGUAGE IS PRIMARY
VOCAL.

Primary medium of language


is SPEECH.

WRITTEN record is but a


secondary representation of
language.
3. LANGUAGE IS A SYSTEM
OF SYSTEMS.

Language is not a
disorganized combination of
sounds.
4. LANGUAGE IS
ARBITRARY.

It means knowing a language


makes one a human.
Theories on Language Learning

1. Behaviorist Language Theory


2. Cognitive Learning Theory
3. Krashen's Monitor Model
Theories on Language Learning

1. Behaviorist Language Theory


-language behavior is conditioned by
sequences of different rewards in his
environment
-process of habit formation
-reinforcement and punishment
-imitation
Theories on Language Learning

2. Cognitive Learning Theory


-Universal Grammar Theory
-Noam Chomsky

All have an inborn biological internal


mechanism that makes language learning
possible. (LAD)
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory


-most comprehensive
-most cited
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory


A. Acquisition/Learning

Acquisition -subconscious process that results


from informal, natural, communication between
people.

Learning – conscious process of knowing about


the language. It is formal.
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory

B. Natural Order Hypothesis

-grammatical structures are acquired in a


predictable order.
-certain structures are learned before others.
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory

C. Monitor Hypothesis

-The monitor is an editing device that may


normally operate before language
performance.
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory

D. Input Hypothesis

-learners are exposed to grammatical features


a little beyond their current level.

(i + 1)
Theories on Language Learning

3. Krashen's Monitor Theory

E. Affective Filter Hypothesis

-Filter consists of attitude to learning the


language.
-motivation, self-confidence

Favorable attitude → Low affective filter


Anxious learners → High affective filter
Thank You For Listening!

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