Question: Discuss Krashens Monitor Model.
Introduction
Stephen Krashen who is a linguist and educational researcher has developed a model of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) that is known as monitor model.
Monitor Model: The monitor model is an interesting set of five central hypotheses developed in late 1970s but accepted in 1980s. This is the most comprehensive model of SLA. Each of the hypotheses is summarized here so that Krasen’s views on motivative or causative variables can be considered.
The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
This hypothesis or theory of Krashen claims that there are two ways of second language development which are acquisition and learning. He differentiates between acquiring and learning language. He asserts that learning language is not really similar to spoken language. According to him, teachers must focus on using natural, authentic and meaningful activities in the classroom in order to improve communicative skills for the real world.
Acquisition
It is a subconscious or unconscious and informal Learning process via interactional activities
Learning
It is a conscious learning via a formal process such as grammar/structure
Acquisition
Picking up a language via meaningful and interactional activities.
Learning
It means knowing about a language.
Acquisition
It is long lasted and not classroom dependent.
Learning
It is long lasted and happens in classroom.
Thus, acquired knowledge and learnt knowledge are stored separately and according to the Acquisition- Learning theory, learning cannot lead to acquisition.
More Notes of Linguistics
The Natural Order Hypothesis
Krashen illustrates that there is a natural order to acquire language rules. He suggests two ideas in this hypothesis.
- The acquisition of grammatical structure follows a natural order which is predictable and imitates that of first language acquisition.
- There is a natural development in the process of acquiring a second language acquisition.
So, the research show that grammatical structures and morphemes second language are acquired like the acquisition of first language.
Monitor model Hypothesis
Here in this hypothesis, monitor is synonymous to edit that monitor model means the process of editing in case of using second language for communication. Some aspects of monitor theory:
- Self-correct or repair.
- Conscious knowledge on what is told and write.
- Learning the required rules and proper application of these rules.
As for example: “I goed home” that is a wrong sentence but because of monitoring power it will be rectified as “I went home”
Therefore, Krashen does assert that learning is important so that people can monitor the language that they produce.
The Input Hypothesis
This is the most effective dogma for SLA. Krashen argues that the input received by the learner must not only be comprehensible but also slightly beyond the current competent level of the learner. This concept is represented as i+1. Here, “I” stands for current level and 1 refers to improvement of level by gathering knowledge at least increasing a level continuously.
The Affective Filter Hypothesis
The term ‘affective filter’ stands for adherence to acquiring language avoiding kind of negative aspects. Low anxiety environment, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-motivation are the results of the Affective Filter Hypothesis in accordance with Krashen.
Conclusion
Therefore, Krashen’s monitor model is one of the most important theories of second language acquisition since it increases acquiring and learning technique.
