Language methods

LANGUAGE METHODS

LANGUAGE METHODS

systems to learn languages

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_acquisition
this wixi has bias in support of a simple theory of 
"language acquisition" via "comprehensible input".

language acquistion

language "acquisition" differs from language "learning".
"learning" tends to prioritize "correctness"
"acquisition" tends to focus on "communication"

COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT

"comprehensible input" is essential resource for language 
acquisition according to dr. stephen krashen
http://sk.com.br/sk-krash.html 

less comprehensible

if input is not meaningful to people, or too
hard to comprehend, people get bored or stressed..
boredom and stress may not be the best teachers.

grammar

method to learn rules for correct construction
of "foreign" language.. grammar can be a useful
complement to other methods.. exaggerated focus
on grammar can cause boredom..

immersion

"sink or swim" method forces you to adapt to 
a new language culture while excluding all use
of your native language.. immersion works for 
many, but many find immersion successful..

more comprehensible

if input is meaningful to people, entertaining and 
easy to comprehend, people tend to "acquire" or
learn language more easily..oh whatever...

code switching

increasingly introduce "foreign" language words 
into native language contexts; make step-by-step'
context-rich transition into the new language..

TPR

total physical response
language method developed in 1960's 
james asher
http://tpr-world.com/ABC.html

TPRS

total physical response storytelling or
teaching proficiency in reading and storytelling
blaine ray
http://blaineraytprs.com/explanationpage.htm

comment: tprs may better be described as storyasking

STORYASKING

language instruction method involves students in 
interactive development of unfolding story.. 
storyasking is more widely known as TPRS method

 eg
 		TEACHER:
 
 ? E L  M O N O   E S   V E R D E   O   R O J O ?
    the monkey     is     green     or    red
 
 	 	STUDENT:
 
 ! V E R D E !
 
 		TEACHER:
 
 ! Q U E  S I'!  E L   M O N O   E'S  V E R D E !
      right           -           -       -

circling

circling method is instructive art of 
- asking questions
- answering with repetitions
- rephrasing questions 
- repeating rephrased answers

		TEACHER:
?es el mono rojo?

		STUDENT:
!NO!

		TEACHER:
!no, el mono no es rojo..
!el mono es verde!
?es el mono verde?

		STUDENT:
!que si!!

		TEACHER:
! C O R R E C T O ! el mono es verde
     correct

circling repeats comprehensible input in variable contexts

twext

twext translations help you learn the lyrics
to popular songs and many other meaningful 
texts, including sayings, quotes etc etc etc.

whatever works

different strokes for different folks.. various
people have various learning styles, typically
combined in various proportions..

remember, this is wiki.. you can edit this page.
above all, before bias to any method or dogma,
wixi's intent is to serve language learners..

is there room for improvement in language methods?
what methods do you use to learn languages?

wixi