As a language learner, it can be tempting to focus on mastering the basics of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. However, this traditional approach to language learning can often lead to frustration and limited success. In this article, we will discuss why it is important to prioritize natural language acquisition and why the “natural order of language acquisition” is critical to your language learning journey.
What is Natural Language Acquisition?
The “natural order of language acquisition” is a principle developed by language acquisition expert Steven Krashen. The theory suggests that there is a natural order in which we acquire the structures of a language, and this order can vary based on our native language and the language we are trying to learn. This natural order occurs through listening and reading, increasing comprehension, and growing our vocabulary.
The Advantages of Natural Language Acquisition
One of the key advantages of natural language acquisition is that it occurs more easily and efficiently than traditional methods of language learning. By listening and reading in the target language, you will gradually acquire the different aspects of the language, such as grammar and vocabulary, in an order that is more or less the same for everyone. This approach to language learning allows you to learn the language at a pace that is comfortable and manageable, without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
Another advantage of natural language acquisition is that you will acquire the vocabulary that is most relevant and useful to you. For example, some words may appear more frequently than others, so you will acquire them earlier without any particular effort. The words that are resistant may take longer to acquire, but this is a natural part of the process.
The Importance of the Natural Order of Language Acquisition
The natural order of language acquisition is critical to your language learning journey because it ensures that you are learning the language in the most efficient and effective way possible. By prioritizing natural language acquisition, you will be able to build a strong foundation in the language that will support you as you continue to grow and improve.
Additionally, focusing on the natural order of language acquisition can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of traditional language learning methods. For example, many language learners struggle with grammar rules and conjugation tables, which can lead to frustration and a lack of progress. By embracing the natural order of language acquisition, you can avoid these difficulties and learn the language in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Video: When Learning a Language DON’T Study the “Basics”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the natural order of language acquisition is a critical concept for language learners to understand and embrace. By prioritizing natural language acquisition and focusing on listening, reading, and growing your vocabulary, you will be able to learn the language in a more efficient and effective way. So, if you are looking to achieve success in your language learning journey, be sure to focus on the natural order of language acquisition and prioritize natural language acquisition over traditional methods.
I find studying the basics (I.e., grammar) helps in somewhat unexpected ways. First it helps accelerate my noticing and understanding certain patterns. Often I find native speech “in the wild” has so much going on that I’m too overwhelmed to notice patterns. I also find that if I’m really struggling with a particular grammar concept, I realize I’m just not ready for it yet—try again later. Second it gives me confidence to speak a little earlier especially with common patterns (e.g., what to do with modal and main verbs, how to conjugate a particular tense, where do modifiers belong) . There comes a point where certain things just sound right, but studying a little grammar allows me to start playing with the pattern in my output earlier than I probably would otherwise. I’m guessing I need 70-80% input, and 20-30% “studying the basics.”
Valid points – I noticed this myself recently when I started learning Japanese. I kept repeating the first two units in my study book over and over, and at some point it felt like I was stuck. I was so focused on memorizing the “basics“, that I forgot about making any progress. After becoming aware of that fact, I remembered how I actually learned/studied English back in the days, and I noticed that back then I was actually indirectly pushing myself to make progress by reading and listening to things I didn‘t fully understand yet, but I always looked it up afterwards. The more I read and listened, the more easy stuff like grammar and vocabulary became, and at some point, I’d say, it became like second nature.
This might be true for most people but not for everybody. I personally suck at immersion, I have to know the basics, especially grammar, to remember and especially use a language. Right now I’m learning Slovak and encountered the phrases for ‘How do you do?’ (Ako sa maš?) and just couldn’t remember it. Only when I deconstructed it and found out that the individual words meant ‘How yourself make you?” I remembered it. But I still have to construct it in my mind from time to time. So, shout out to people who can do all this natural learning but that there are other people who need the guidelines of grammar and rules ; )
I’m a native English speaker learning French and this video makes a lot of sense to me. I have had many tutors all of whom correct my mistakes, either during the class or via an email after the class. The latter is a better idea as I can browse through them later and try to take note of them. But as Steve says I go on making the same mistakes again and again. So this focus on basic mistakes is largely a waste of time. None of my tutors have ever told me this, I presume its because they don’t know any better. Before I take on a new tutor I now plan to ascertain their attitude to this concept. It should make for an interesting conversation.
Thank you for that. I speak a reasonable level of survival Spanish. I learned from conversation and playing Spanish scrabble in Spain over about four months. I only used he present tense back then, but vocabulary came thick and fast, probably because vocabulary doesn’t have many rules as such. A bike is a bike. Over the years, I took part in random conversations and watched many subtitled Spanish films and it all went into a kind of Anglo-Latin subconscious soup and consolidated in fun nerdy etymological ways. I speak ok Spanish now, even to the brink of fumbling with a bit of philosophy. I can read it, but I cannot recite the alphabet – and i’m not overly interested. I am but mortal and I’ve stuff to do and Hindi to learn. I have been torturing myself with Duolingo and basics. Now, I’m just going to alternate between my Indian Wife, ChatGBT, films – being in India and sure, a bit of Duolingo – why not? Thanks for letting me off the hook and endorsing what I thought should be true, but now a proper languagey fella like yourself says it, I feel less like it’s a bit cheatly lazy on my part. Thank you.