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Our courses are based on “ second language acquisition theory” by American linguist Stephen Krashen . Back in the seventies, he developed a group of five hypotheses that constituted the "second language learning theory", also known as the "natural approach" ( natural approach ). :
1. The hypothesis of "mastering-learning" (acquisition-learning hypothesis):
There is a strict separation between the concept of "development" and "learning". Learning a language is a conscious activity, as opposed to "learning". The latter always happens unconsciously and never as a result of intentional learning.
2. Monitor hypothesis:
Consciously acquired knowledge (grammar rules) is used only to "monitor" the already mastered language. They are never the source of spontaneous speech, but slow it down and make it unnatural.
3. Hypothesis of "natural order" (natural order hypothesis):
Language acquisition occurs in a specific order that cannot be changed through training. It is useless to learn a language according to the usual method “from simple to complex”, the brain itself reveals those patterns that are to be mastered in the first place.
4. Hypothesis of emotional filters (affective filter hypothesis):
It states that the ability to acquire a language is reduced if we experience negative emotions such as fear, boredom or embarrassment. At this moment, negative "emotional filters" are turned on, and even if we understand the language, mastering does not occur. The classical method of learning a language almost always includes these filters.
5. Hypothesis "input" (input hypothesis):
This is the main idea of the theory, according to which the development of both the first and the second language occurs through its understanding of "comprehensible input". We progress when we get a language that is slightly above our current level. The production of language, or "forced speaking", has no significant effect on the development of language abilities.
Speaking is not the cause of learning, but its consequence. It happens when we get the language (hear, see, understand) in a stress-free environment.
