Affective Filter: Impact on Language Acquisition

Affective Filter Hypothesis

The Affective Filter Hypothesis suggests several factors influence language acquisition success.

Key Factors

• Motivation: Higher motivation correlates with better language acquisition.
• Self-Esteem: Increased self-confidence aids language learning.
• Anxiety: Lower anxiety is beneficial; ideally, anxiety should be zero for optimal acquisition.

When focused on the message and anxiety is absent, acquisition occurs. However, while zero anxiety may not be suitable for all tasks, it is crucial for language acquisition.

Facilitative Anxiety

Facilitative anxiety may be acceptable for certain tasks, but language acquisition requires anxiety to be directed away from the language itself.

Affective Filter

The affective filter acts as a block in the brain, preventing input from reaching the Language Acquisition Device. Factors like low motivation, low self-esteem, and high anxiety raise this filter, hindering acquisition.

Impact on Learning

Even with comprehensible input, if the affective filter is high, language acquisition may not occur. This explains why some students progress while others don't, despite similar input.

Summary

Language is acquired through comprehensible input in a low-anxiety environment.