Introduction

Language acquisition is a fascinating area of study, particularly within the field of applied linguistics. One of the most influential theories in this area is the Input Hypothesis, developed by linguist Stephen Krashen. This theory and the concept of comprehensible input are crucial for understanding how individuals acquire a second language naturally and effectively.

What is Comprehensible Input?

Comprehensible input is language input that can be understood by learners despite them not understanding all the words and structures in it. Krashen suggests that this kind of input is critical for language learning and that it should be slightly above the learner’s current language level, often represented as i+1, where i is the learner’s current level.

Key Principles of the Input Hypothesis

The Input Hypothesis revolves around several key ideas:

  • Input vs. Output: Learning takes place when a learner is exposed to language that is slightly beyond their current comprehension level (i+1). Input is when the learner actively engages in listening or reading, but doesn’t include speaking (output).
  • The Role of Grammar: Grammar should not be explicitly taught but acquired naturally through exposure to correct and meaningful communication.
  • Affective Filter: Learners with a low affective filter are more open to acquiring language due to lower anxiety, higher motivation, and increased self-confidence.

Does It Work?

Well, I started my language learning journey with Spanish in 2021. I initially started learning by using the typical language apps, flashcard vocabulary memorization drills, and grammar study. Unfortunately, I found this process to be too rigorous. I struggled to connect the dots between grammar study and understanding spoken Spanish.

Eventually, I came across the input hypothesis. The idea of comprehensible input, in which the learner “acquires” a language through input, rather than through rigorous language study. The concept revolves around the idea that a learner can acquire a language when messages are understood. This can be done with the use of contextual cues such as drawings, facial and hand gestures, and tone of voice.

One way in which this can be done, is with the use of a whiteboard. In some videos online, the speaker will explain a simple story, perhaps about a frog, in which they draw pictures as they speak. The use of visual cues enables the listener to acquire new vocabulary and hear the way the language is actually spoken. Even though the speaker doesn’t explain how Spanish works, the listener can understand the context of the story and piece together what is being said. In theory, the learner should be able to rely less and less on contextual cues as they advance their understanding of the language.

It’s estimated that it takes roughly 1500 hours of contact with Spanish to become “fluent” in the language. This sounds like a lot of effort (and it is) but, if it takes that much time, why spend it on studying rigorously? In my personal journey, I’m at roughly 700 hours of listening input. At this point, I can say that I can follow a patient native speaker in which they might adapt their speech by speaking a bit slower and using more common words. However, my ability to understand Spanish to some degree of proficiency stems from this input hypothesis and I do believe that it works. Obviously watching 700 hours is a lot of time, however, it’s certainly easier to put in 700 hours by watching an hour or two of Spanish per day, rather than grinding through a textbook!

Are there other types of input? You bet!

Reading is another great source of input, but obviously lacks certain contextual cues. The learner must rely on their ability to understand new words by using their current foundational vocabulary, which would be the (i + 1) of the hypothesis.

One issue that I encountered is that there is a lack of beginner reading materials. To put it mildly, even jumping in and reading a children’s book like “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” a book written for 8-year-olds, is quite the challenge for a learner.

There are readers on Amazon that are meant to address this gap, but the selection is somewhat limited to a few authors. To address this, we built deviselearning.com. On this website, we provide users with more content, updated frequently, with generated Spanish stories designed for learners. Our aim is to provide learners with written and audio transcriptions, in which the learner can acquire their language through reading. We believe that we can help learners of all languages fill the gap by providing targeted materials aimed at their personal interests, target language, and learning level. We also think that we can help them advance to native content quicker and more efficiently.

Conclusion

The theory of comprehensible input and the Input Hypothesis offer valuable insights into how languages are learned. By focusing on understanding and processing language slightly above our current level, we can enhance our ability to acquire a new language effectively.

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