Comparing and Contrasting Chomsky and Krashen's Views on L1 and L2 Acquisition:
Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen are prominent figures in the field of linguistics, offering significant contributions to our understanding of language acquisition. Their views, however, differ in key aspects, particularly regarding the role of innate abilities, the mechanisms of learning, and the similarities between first (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition.
Chomsky's Perspective:
* Innate Language Faculty: Chomsky believes in the existence of a "Universal Grammar" (UG) – a biologically pre-programmed system in the human brain that governs language learning. This innate faculty provides children with the underlying principles of language, facilitating the acquisition of their native tongue.
* L1 Acquisition: Chomsky emphasizes the child's active role in constructing language through "creative language acquisition." He argues that children are not simply mimicking or memorizing what they hear, but rather using their innate UG to analyze language input and extract its underlying rules.
* L2 Acquisition: While Chomsky doesn't explicitly address L2 acquisition in detail, his theory suggests that UG might play a role in learning a second language as well, albeit with some potential limitations. He suggests that the critical period hypothesis, where acquiring a language becomes more challenging after a certain age, could be linked to the decreasing accessibility of UG for L2 learners.
Krashen's Perspective:
* Input Hypothesis: Krashen proposes the "Input Hypothesis" emphasizing the crucial role of comprehensible input in language acquisition. He argues that learners acquire language by understanding messages that are slightly above their current level of competence. This "i+1" input provides new information and facilitates language development.
* L1 and L2 Acquisition: Krashen believes that L1 and L2 acquisition operate under similar principles, with the "Monitor Model" explaining both processes. According to this model, language acquisition happens through subconscious processes, while conscious learning (rules and grammar) serves a limited role as a monitor for accuracy.
* Acquired vs. Learned: He distinguishes between "acquired" language (subconscious, natural acquisition) and "learned" language (conscious, rule-based knowledge). Krashen emphasizes the importance of creating natural language learning environments where learners can acquire language naturally through meaningful interactions and comprehensible input.
Comparison and Contrast:
| Feature | Chomsky | Krashen |
|---|---|---|
| Role of Innate Abilities | Innate Universal Grammar is essential for language acquisition. | Innate abilities are not central, focusing on the role of input. |
| Mechanism of Learning | Active construction of language rules based on innate knowledge. | Passive acquisition through comprehensible input. |
| L1 and L2 Acquisition | Potential role of UG in L2 acquisition, but with potential limitations. | Similar processes and principles govern both L1 and L2 acquisition. |
| Focus | Underlying language structures and principles. | The importance of comprehensible input and natural language environments. |
Conclusion:
Chomsky and Krashen present contrasting perspectives on language acquisition, emphasizing different aspects of the process. Chomsky focuses on the innate linguistic abilities that drive language learning, while Krashen highlights the crucial role of comprehensible input and natural language environments. While both theories have contributed significantly to our understanding of language acquisition, their differences highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of this complex process.
It's important to note that these are simplified explanations of their theories, and both Chomsky and Krashen have offered more detailed and nuanced arguments in their works.