2024
TMN3701
ASSIGNMENT 3
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the significant role of input, interaction and output in the
context of additional language teaching. Provide examples to support
your answer.
(According to study guide pg. 12)
1. Input
Definition and Importance:
Input refers to the language that learners are exposed to in various forms, such
as listening and reading. It is essential for language acquisition because it
provides the necessary linguistic data that learners need to internalize and
understand the target language.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Comprehensible Input Hypothesis (Krashen, 1985): This hypothesis suggests
that learners acquire language most effectively when they are exposed to
language input that is just slightly above their current proficiency level (i+1).
This means the input should be understandable but also challenge the learner
to expand their language skills.
Examples:
Listening to Native Speakers: Exposure to native speakers through audio
materials like podcasts, songs, and conversations helps learners understand
natural language use.
Reading: Engaging with written materials such as books, articles, and essays
in the target language introduces learners to new vocabulary and grammatical
structures within a meaningful context.
2. Interaction
Definition and Importance:
3
, Interaction involves the communicative exchanges between the learner and
other speakers of the language. This could include peers, teachers, or native
speakers. Interaction is crucial because it allows learners to practice the
language in real-time, receive immediate feedback, and adjust their language
use accordingly.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Interaction Hypothesis (Long, 1996): This theory posits that conversational
interaction is a critical condition for second language acquisition. Through
interaction, learners negotiate meaning, clarify misunderstandings, and modify
their speech to enhance comprehension.
Examples:
Classroom Activities: Interactive activities like role-playing, group
discussions, and paired exercises provide opportunities for learners to practice
dialogues, ask questions, and clarify doubts.
Real-life Situations: Practical interactions, such as ordering food in a
restaurant, asking for directions, or participating in community events, offer
learners real-world language use experiences.
3. Output
Definition and Importance:
Output refers to the language that learners produce, either spoken or written. It
is vital for language acquisition as it allows learners to apply what they have
learned, experiment with language use, and receive feedback on their
performance.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Comprehensible Output Hypothesis (Swain, 1985): This hypothesis asserts
that producing language (speaking or writing) helps learners process language
more deeply and notice gaps in their knowledge, which they can then work to
fill.
4
TMN3701
ASSIGNMENT 3
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the significant role of input, interaction and output in the
context of additional language teaching. Provide examples to support
your answer.
(According to study guide pg. 12)
1. Input
Definition and Importance:
Input refers to the language that learners are exposed to in various forms, such
as listening and reading. It is essential for language acquisition because it
provides the necessary linguistic data that learners need to internalize and
understand the target language.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Comprehensible Input Hypothesis (Krashen, 1985): This hypothesis suggests
that learners acquire language most effectively when they are exposed to
language input that is just slightly above their current proficiency level (i+1).
This means the input should be understandable but also challenge the learner
to expand their language skills.
Examples:
Listening to Native Speakers: Exposure to native speakers through audio
materials like podcasts, songs, and conversations helps learners understand
natural language use.
Reading: Engaging with written materials such as books, articles, and essays
in the target language introduces learners to new vocabulary and grammatical
structures within a meaningful context.
2. Interaction
Definition and Importance:
3
, Interaction involves the communicative exchanges between the learner and
other speakers of the language. This could include peers, teachers, or native
speakers. Interaction is crucial because it allows learners to practice the
language in real-time, receive immediate feedback, and adjust their language
use accordingly.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Interaction Hypothesis (Long, 1996): This theory posits that conversational
interaction is a critical condition for second language acquisition. Through
interaction, learners negotiate meaning, clarify misunderstandings, and modify
their speech to enhance comprehension.
Examples:
Classroom Activities: Interactive activities like role-playing, group
discussions, and paired exercises provide opportunities for learners to practice
dialogues, ask questions, and clarify doubts.
Real-life Situations: Practical interactions, such as ordering food in a
restaurant, asking for directions, or participating in community events, offer
learners real-world language use experiences.
3. Output
Definition and Importance:
Output refers to the language that learners produce, either spoken or written. It
is vital for language acquisition as it allows learners to apply what they have
learned, experiment with language use, and receive feedback on their
performance.
Role in Language Acquisition:
Comprehensible Output Hypothesis (Swain, 1985): This hypothesis asserts
that producing language (speaking or writing) helps learners process language
more deeply and notice gaps in their knowledge, which they can then work to
fill.
4
