The Natural Approach

Abstract


Learning a second language is often a slow and complex process, that requires a lot of dedication and comprehension. The paper reviews the Natural Approach as a reaction to methodused to teach and learn a second language which consisted in repeating words and translating texts. Developed by Tracy Terrell and Stephen Krashen in 1977, this method is based on several hypothesisabout teaching and learning of a second language, that help student to assimilate grammatical rules in a more natural manner in the communicative process.
Key words: second language, naturalapproach, acquisition, learning.


The Natural Approach
Teaching a second language has been an important topic for many years, and beside this, variety of methods and approaches haveemerged claiming to know how a person can dominate another language. The Grammar-Translation method was the most used until end of XIX century which consisted in that students should learn and usedgrammar rules correctly and then to be able to translate texts. In reaction to this method emerged one of the most influential learning models and the most discussed, The Natural Approach developed byStephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell.
Theory of Language: Communication is the main function of language and the focus is on teaching communicative abilities. The essence of language is meaning andvocabulary not grammar is the heart of language. Vocabulary is the vehicle for communicating meanings and messages.
Theory of Learning: There are two distinctive ways of developing competence in asecond or foreign language. Acquisition and Learning. Acquisition refers to an unconscious process that involves the naturalistic development of language through understanding language and throughusing language for meaningful communication. Learning refers to a process in which conscious rules about a language are developed. Learning cannot lead to acquisition.
Objectives: Designed to...