ENG505 Midterm Subjective Paper

Q. Describe language universe (Topic 06)

The theory advocates that children are born with Language Acquisition Device (Hadley, 2001, p. 58) and are innately programmed to learn language. The presence of language universals is seen to be the key characteristic which contains parameters setting. UG emphasizes that biological mechanism determines the language learning process supported by the representation of ‘core grammar.’

Q. Briefly discuss the theory of universal grammar (Topic 06)

UG refers to the mentalist approach that supports nativism and cognitivism. The theory advocates that children are born with Language Acquisition Device (Hadley, 2001, p. 58) and are innately programmed to learn language. The presence of language universals is seen to be the key characteristic which contains parameters setting. UG emphasizes that biological mechanism determines the language learning process supported by the representation of ‘core grammar.’

Q. Difference b/t monitor over user and under user Krashen 5 marks (Topic 06)

Stephen Krashen’s ‘Monitor Model’ distinguishes acquisition (subconscious learning) and learning (conscious learning) as responsible factors for developing competence in the second language acquisition. The monitor hypothesis claims that the acquisition process is responsible for all second language utterances and fluency. On the contrary, learning is the ‘editor’ and ‘monitor’ for the output (Hadley, 2001). The input hypothesis states that speaking fluency emerges over time and that acquisition process is subject to our exposure to the language, which is beyond our current level of comprehension.

Q. Schumann Acculturation theory: (Topic 07)

The basis of Schumann’s ‘Acculturation Theory’ is a ‘social theory’ which considers social forces as the deriving factors that affect language learning and acquisition processes. It emphasizes that instead of internal mental activities, the external factors facilitate learning by providing the target language culture for specific language functions. Language being social phenomena does consider attitudes and stereotypes towards the target language as affective learning factors. Errors can be corrected.

Q. Edward Anthony Model (Topic 08)

Edward Anthony proposed a ‘three-level framework’ (1965) based on ‘Approach, Methods, and Techniques.’ ‘Approach’ is a set of principles or ideas about the nature of language learning; ‘Method’ is an overall mechanism; ‘Technique’ is a specific strategy/way. Researchers vary in terms of design, procedure and approach; Anthony’s framework emphasized ‘Approach,’ whereas Richards and Rogers considered ‘Method’ as a broader term in comparison to approach. Repka and Stern claim that ‘method or methodology’ is a broader term that covers the rest. Goal orientation, organization, progressiveness, and linking of age to content and successiveness are the general characteristics of methods. However, methods and methodology are related to planning of a specific task, content, procedure, and assessment.

Q. Differentiate between the Characteristics of controlled and free techniques? (Topic 11)

Controlled Techniques

Free Techniques

 Teacher Centered  Manipulative Structure  Predicted Response  Pre-planned Objectives  Student Centered  Communicated Open Ended  Unpredicted Response  Negotiated Objectives

Q. Brown taxonomy (Topic 11)

Analysis of ‘Language Learning Theories’ requires understanding of the terms ‘Technique, Activity and Procedure.’ ‘Technique’ is a broader term for specific tasks and refers to Brown’s taxonomy of techniques: controlled, semicontrolled and free techniques. However, ‘Activity’ and ‘Procedure’ deal with learner’s performance and practices/behaviors in teaching respectively.

Q. Define language learning (Topic 12)

Learning belongs to behaviorist approach and deals with a mechanical process of habit formation. As opposed to acquisition which is a subconscious process, learning involves both explicit (learner’s is aware of modification of his/her knowledge base) as well as implicit (change in the learner’s knowledge base but outside his/her conscious introspection) learning processes. Drill, imitation, and repetition are the basic elements of learning.

Q. Key Features of Performance (Topic 13)

 Parole (Saussure) describes the physical manifestation of langue (competence).  Performance can be full of errors.  Performance and its products are complex phenomena due to speakerhearer’s linguistic competence, speech production, memory, dialectical environment, idiolect and individual style, factual knowledge, health and emotional state, and other related factors.

Q. Differentiate b/w deductive and inductive learning? (Topic 14)

deductive

inductive

Deductive Learning, being teacher centered approach, refers to providing learners with an understanding of the rules followed by examples and practice. The rules are of primary focus and the practice is encouraged through examples that inculcate rules. Inductive Learning, being learnercentered, begins with examples first and requires learner to determine rules relevant to the examples. Determining the relevancy of rules appropriate to examples is a challenging task for the learner. It equips learners with the knowledge of the concepts.

Q. Describe Behaviorism (Topic 15)

The behaviorist movement began with John Watson in 1913. It is also known as a psychological approach which emphasizes scientific and objective methods of investigation. The behaviorists claim that knowledge is external, and humans are born with blank slate. Learning takes place through association between stimuliresponse processes resulting into specific habit formation.