A Comprehensive History of Language Learning Theories and Methods

Samuel Johnson (1755): Dictionary of the English Language

Standardization of meaning of words and English spelling

Robert Lowth (1772): Short Introduction to English Grammar

Prescribed what correct grammar should be, based on Latin knowledge

Karl Ploetz: Grammar Translation Method

Learning language using example sentences, two grammar rules, and a list of vocabulary. Translation is emphasized.

Berlitz Method: Direct Method

Learning focuses on oral language, listening, and speaking. Imitation of native speakers is encouraged. Proficient teachers are required, and L1 is not used in classes.

Michael West: Reading Method

Learning through reading. Tests focus on frequent words, and complexity is decreased in tests.

Army Method (WWII): Audiolingualism

Based on the theory of habits, focused on sentence patterns, and learning through drills.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Learner's message and fluency are prioritized over grammatical accuracy.

(CLT) Chomsky (1959): Innateness

Abstract rules of language are innate. Children test language in practice and learn language spontaneously and creatively.

(CLT) Hymes (1972): Communicative Competence

Using grammar correctly in different contexts. Function is emphasized over form.

(CLT) Halliday (1973): Systemic Functional Grammar

Language function in society is not only related to the learner.

(CLT) Van Ek (1976): Council of Europe Project

Focused on L2 learners' needs.

(CLT) Krashen (1982): Monitor Theory

Unconsciously acquired, comprehensible input, and learners' emotional state affect acquisition.

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Learners could work on individual computers truly at their own pace.

Corpora

To analyze large databases of language

Vygotsky (XX): Sociocultural Theory

Language as a social construct. The child is an active learner in a world full of other people.

ZDP = Scaffolding

Labov (1970): Social Factors Influencing L1

Tarone (1979): Social Factors Influencing L2

Sociolinguistics

Social factors in language

Pragmatics

Context of language in use

Psycholinguistics

Mind extracts recurrent patterns

Pavlov (XX): Classical Conditioning

Conditioning actions through experience

Skinner: Operant Conditioning

Changes in behavior are the result of an individual's response to events.

Watson (1913): Behaviorism

Observable events rather than mental states should be studied.

Lennerberg (1967): Critical Period Hypothesis

There is a critical period for language learning, not agreement in age but not after puberty (Genie case)

Piaget (1896-1980): Children's Cognitive Development

Language can be used to represent knowledge that children have acquired through physical interaction with the environment.

Bloom (1956): Cognitive Learning Theory

Krashen: Affective Factors

Classroom

Affective Factors: How L Feels

Lado (1957): Transfer = Crosslinguistic Influence

Use sounds, structures, expressions from the L1 performing L2, both positive and negative.

Selinker (1972): Interlanguage

An in-between system used in L2 acquisition, contains aspects of the L1 & L2 but has its own rules