Key Linguistic Paradigms and Language Teaching Methods

Main Linguistic Trends

The primary linguistic trends include Traditional Linguistics, Structuralism, Generativism, and Pragmatics.

• Traditional Linguistics: Studies the origins, roots, and characteristics of languages.
• Structuralism: Focuses on the form of language rather than communicative aspects.
• Generativism: Posits that language is creative; grammatical transformation rules govern the production of an infinite number of sentences.
• Pragmatics: Focuses on effective communication.

Linguistic Paradigms of the 20th Century

There are three main linguistic paradigms from the 20th century: Structuralism, Generativism, and Pragmatics.

Structuralism and Behaviorism

Behaviorism is rooted in the structuralist trend. Its main characteristics include children's imitation and the use of positive or negative reinforcement.

Generativism and Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky is the father of Generativism. His primary contributions include the concept that language is creative and the distinction between deep structure (common to all languages) and surface structure (specific to each language). He suggests that learning a second language is easier when compared to the mother tongue.

Pragmatics

Two key features of pragmatics are the necessity for effective communication and the importance of the learning process.

Language Teaching Methods

Traditional Linguistics: Grammar-Translation Method

This method is characterized by the learning of grammatical rules, the use of bilingual vocabulary lists, and the translation of written texts.

Structuralism: Audiovisual Method

The audiovisual method follows the principle that "what you see is what you learn." Key teaching resources include visual and auditory aids such as posters, pictures, recordings, and films.

Communicative Approach

The communicative approach is based on methodological foundations aimed at achieving communicative competence, focusing on the practical use of language in real-life situations.

Humanistic Approaches

Five main humanistic approaches include:

• Total Physical Response (TPR)
• Silent Way
• Natural Approach
• Suggestopedia
• Affective Filter (Krashen's Theory)

The Silent Way

This is an inductive approach where the teacher stimulates students to think and speak. Silence is used to encourage reflection, content is presented in a structured way, and vocabulary is considered secondary.

Krashen's Five Hypotheses

1. Acquisition vs. Learning: Unconscious acquisition versus conscious learning.
2. Natural Order: Language is acquired in a predictable sequence.
3. Monitor: The internal editor for language production.
4. Input: Comprehensible input is essential for acquisition.
5. Affective Filter: Emotional factors that can block or facilitate learning.

Pedagogical Recommendation for Infant Education

For infant education, I recommend Humanistic Approaches because emotions are vital for young children, allowing them to learn in a natural way. Specifically, Total Physical Response (TPR) is highly effective, as it allows children to learn through physical action, making the process engaging and fun.