Comprehension approach: Difference between revisions

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The '''comprehension approach''' is an [[umbrella term]] which refers to several [[methodologies]] of [[language learning]] that emphasise understanding of [[language]] rather than [[speech|speaking]].<ref>Winitz, [[1981]]; Gary & Gary, 1981a and 1981b.</ref> This is in contrast to the better-known [[communicative language teaching|communicative approach]], under which learning is thought to emerge through [[language production]], i.e. a focus on speech and [[writing]].
The '''comprehension approach''' is an [[umbrella term]] which refers to several [[methodologies]] of [[language learning]] that emphasise understanding of [[language]] rather than [[speech|speaking]].<ref>Winitz (1981); Gary & Gary (1981a and 1981b).</ref> This is in contrast to the better-known ''[[communicative language teaching|communicative approach]]'', under which learning is thought to emerge through [[language production]], i.e. a focus on speech and [[writing]].


The comprehension approach is most strongly associated with the [[linguist]]s [[Harris Winitz]], [[Stephen Krashen]],<ref>See [http://www.sdkrashen.com www.sdkrashen.com] for some of Krashen's books and articles, available on-line.</ref> [[Tracy D. Terrell]] and [[James J. Asher]]. The comprehension-based methodology mostly commonly found in classrooms is Asher's [[Total Physical Response]] approach;<ref>Asher, [[1969]]; 1981. Further information is available at [http://www.tpr-world.com ''TPR-World''] (Sky Oaks Productions, Inc.).</ref> Krashen and Terrell's [[Natural Approach]]<ref>Krashen & Terrell, 1983.</ref> has not been widely applied.
The comprehension approach is most strongly associated with the [[linguist]]s [[Harris Winitz]], [[Stephen Krashen]],<ref>See [http://www.sdkrashen.com www.sdkrashen.com] for some of Krashen's books and articles, available on-line.</ref> [[Tracy D. Terrell]] and [[James J. Asher]]. The comprehension-based methodology mostly commonly found in classrooms is Asher's ''[[Total Physical Response]]'' approach;<ref>Asher (1969; 1981). Further information is available at [http://www.tpr-world.com ''TPR-World''] (Sky Oaks Productions, Inc.).</ref> Krashen and Terrell's ''[[Natural Approach]]''<ref>Krashen & Terrell (1983).</ref> has not been widely applied.


The comprehension approach is based on [[theories]] of [[linguistics]], specifically Krashen's [[Monitor Theory]],<ref>Krashen, 1982.</ref> and is also inspired by research on [[second language acquisition]] in [[children]], particularly the [[silent period]] phenomenon in which many young learners initially tend towards minimal speaking.<ref>Winitz et al., [[1995]]; cf. Gibbons, [[1985]], whose own interpretation of the 'silent period' is that children's silence reflects lack of linguistic knowledge or bewilderment within their new language environment.</ref> In contrast, the communicative approach is largely a product of research in [[language education]].<ref>[http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/sept_05_ac.pdf Acar, 2005: 4].</ref>
The comprehension approach is based on [[theories]] of [[linguistics]], specifically Krashen's [[Monitor Theory]],<ref>Krashen (1982).</ref> and is also inspired by research on [[second language acquisition]] in [[children]], particularly the [[silent period]] phenomenon in which many young learners initially tend towards minimal speaking.<ref>Winitz et al. (1995); cf. Gibbons (1985), whose own interpretation of the 'silent period' is that children's silence reflects lack of linguistic knowledge or bewilderment within their new language environment.</ref> In contrast, the communicative approach is largely a product of research in [[language education]].<ref>[http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/sept_05_ac.pdf Acar (2005: 4)].</ref>


Winitz founded the [[International Linguistics Corporation]] in [[1976]] to supply comprehension-based materials known as ''[[The Learnables]]'';<ref>e.g. Winitz, [[2003]]; see also the International Linguistics Corporation's [http://www.learnables.com ''Learnables''] materials on-line.</ref> several positive articles have been published testing these picturebooks with their accompanying audio recordings, mostly with Winitz as co-author.<ref>e.g. McCandless & Winitz, [[1986]].</ref>
Winitz founded the [[International Linguistics Corporation]] in [[1976]] to supply comprehension-based materials known as ''[[The Learnables]]'';<ref>e.g. Winitz (2003); see also the International Linguistics Corporation's [http://www.learnables.com ''Learnables''] materials on-line.</ref> several positive articles have been published testing these picturebooks with their accompanying audio recordings, mostly with Winitz as co-author.<ref>e.g. McCandless & Winitz (1986).</ref>


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
Line 14: Line 14:


==References==
==References==
*Acar, A. (2005). 'The "communicative competence" controversy.' [http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/sept_05_ac.pdf ''Asian EFL Journal'' 7(3)]. Retrieved 20th January 2007.
*Acar, A (2005) 'The "communicative competence" controversy.' [http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/sept_05_ac.pdf ''Asian EFL Journal'' 7(3)]. Retrieved 20th January 2007.
*Asher, J.J. (1969). 'The total physical response approach to second language learning.' ''The Modern Language Journal'' 53: 3-17.
*Asher JJ (1969) 'The total physical response approach to second language learning.' ''The Modern Language Journal'' 53: 3-17.
*Asher, J.J. (1981). The total physical response: theory and practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.324-331.
*Asher JJ (1981) The total physical response: theory and practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.324-331.
*Gary, J.O. & N. Gary (1981a). Comprehension-based language instruction: practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.343-357.
*Gary JO. & Gary N (1981a) Comprehension-based language instruction: practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.343-357.
*Gary, J.O. & N. Gary (1981b). Comprehension-based language instruction: theory. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.332-342.
*Gary JO. & Gary N (1981b) Comprehension-based language instruction: theory. In H. Winitz (ed.) ''Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition''. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.332-342.
*Gibbons, J. (1985). 'The silent period: an examination.' ''Language Learning'' 35: 255-267.
*Gibbons J (1985) 'The silent period: an examination.' ''Language Learning'' 35: 255-267.
*Krashen, S.D. (1982). ''Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition''. Oxford: Pergamon.
*Krashen SD (1982) ''Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition''. Oxford: Pergamon.
*Krashen, S.D. & T.D. Terrell (1983). ''The Natural Approach''. New York: Pergamon.
*Krashen SD & TD Terrell (1983) ''The Natural Approach''. New York: Pergamon.
*McCandless, P. & H. Winitz, H. (1986). 'Test of pronunciation following one year of comprehension instruction in college German.' ''The Modern Language Journal 70: 355-362.
*McCandless P & Winitz H (1986) 'Test of pronunciation following one year of comprehension instruction in college German.' ''The Modern Language Journal 70: 355-362.
*Winitz, H. (ed.) (1981). ''The Comprehension Approach to Foreign Language Instruction''. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
*Winitz H (ed.) (1981) ''The Comprehension Approach to Foreign Language Instruction''. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
*Winitz, H. (2003). ''The Learnables, Book 1''. Kansas City, MO: International Linguistics Corporation. 6th edition.
*Winitz H (2003) ''The Learnables, Book 1''. Kansas City, MO: International Linguistics Corporation. 6th edition.
*Winitz, H., B. Gillespie & J. Starcev (1995). 'The development of English speech patterns of a 7-year-old Polish-speaking child.' ''Journal of Psycholinguistic Research'' 24: 117-143.
*Winitz H, Gillespie B & Starcev J (1995). 'The development of English speech patterns of a 7-year-old Polish-speaking child.' ''Journal of Psycholinguistic Research'' 24: 117-143.


[[Category:Linguistics Workgroup]]
[[Category:Linguistics Workgroup]]
[[Category:CZ Live]]
[[Category:CZ Live]]

Revision as of 04:29, 26 July 2007

Language Acquisition
First language acquisition
Second language acquisition
Critical period hypothesis
Contrastive analysis
Fossilization
Applied linguistics
Monitor theory
Language teaching
Communicative approach
Comprehension approach
Multilingualism
Language attrition
Creolistics

The comprehension approach is an umbrella term which refers to several methodologies of language learning that emphasise understanding of language rather than speaking.[1] This is in contrast to the better-known communicative approach, under which learning is thought to emerge through language production, i.e. a focus on speech and writing.

The comprehension approach is most strongly associated with the linguists Harris Winitz, Stephen Krashen,[2] Tracy D. Terrell and James J. Asher. The comprehension-based methodology mostly commonly found in classrooms is Asher's Total Physical Response approach;[3] Krashen and Terrell's Natural Approach[4] has not been widely applied.

The comprehension approach is based on theories of linguistics, specifically Krashen's Monitor Theory,[5] and is also inspired by research on second language acquisition in children, particularly the silent period phenomenon in which many young learners initially tend towards minimal speaking.[6] In contrast, the communicative approach is largely a product of research in language education.[7]

Winitz founded the International Linguistics Corporation in 1976 to supply comprehension-based materials known as The Learnables;[8] several positive articles have been published testing these picturebooks with their accompanying audio recordings, mostly with Winitz as co-author.[9]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Winitz (1981); Gary & Gary (1981a and 1981b).
  2. ↑ See www.sdkrashen.com for some of Krashen's books and articles, available on-line.
  3. ↑ Asher (1969; 1981). Further information is available at TPR-World (Sky Oaks Productions, Inc.).
  4. ↑ Krashen & Terrell (1983).
  5. ↑ Krashen (1982).
  6. ↑ Winitz et al. (1995); cf. Gibbons (1985), whose own interpretation of the 'silent period' is that children's silence reflects lack of linguistic knowledge or bewilderment within their new language environment.
  7. ↑ Acar (2005: 4).
  8. ↑ e.g. Winitz (2003); see also the International Linguistics Corporation's Learnables materials on-line.
  9. ↑ e.g. McCandless & Winitz (1986).

References

  • Acar, A (2005) 'The "communicative competence" controversy.' Asian EFL Journal 7(3). Retrieved 20th January 2007.
  • Asher JJ (1969) 'The total physical response approach to second language learning.' The Modern Language Journal 53: 3-17.
  • Asher JJ (1981) The total physical response: theory and practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.324-331.
  • Gary JO. & Gary N (1981a) Comprehension-based language instruction: practice. In H. Winitz (ed.) Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.343-357.
  • Gary JO. & Gary N (1981b) Comprehension-based language instruction: theory. In H. Winitz (ed.) Native Language and Foreign Language Acquisition. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. pp.332-342.
  • Gibbons J (1985) 'The silent period: an examination.' Language Learning 35: 255-267.
  • Krashen SD (1982) Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Krashen SD & TD Terrell (1983) The Natural Approach. New York: Pergamon.
  • McCandless P & Winitz H (1986) 'Test of pronunciation following one year of comprehension instruction in college German.' The Modern Language Journal 70: 355-362.
  • Winitz H (ed.) (1981) The Comprehension Approach to Foreign Language Instruction. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
  • Winitz H (2003) The Learnables, Book 1. Kansas City, MO: International Linguistics Corporation. 6th edition.
  • Winitz H, Gillespie B & Starcev J (1995). 'The development of English speech patterns of a 7-year-old Polish-speaking child.' Journal of Psycholinguistic Research 24: 117-143.
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