The natural approach

the long version

The Natural Approach is based on the following tenets: 1). Language acquisition (an unconscious process developed through using language meaningfully) is different from language learning (consciously learning or discovering rules about a language) and language acquisition is the only way competence in a second language occurs. (The acquisition/learning hypothesis) 2). Conscious learning operates only as a monitor or editor that checks or repairs the output of what has been acquired. (The monitor hypothesis) 3). Grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order and it does little good to try to learn them in another order.(The natural order hypothesis). 4). People acquire language best from messages that are just slightly beyond their current competence. (The input hypothesis) 5). The learner's emotional state can act as a filter that impedes or blocks input necessary to acquisition. (The affective filter hypothesis)