FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does the Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis suggest?

1. A students learn language only through formal education

2. B students can only acquire language through immersion

3. C acquiring and learning language are two simultaneous processes

4. D students should focus exclusively on grammar

The correct answer is: C acquiring and learning language are two simultaneous processes

The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, developed by Stephen Krashen, posits that there are two distinct processes in language development: acquisition and learning. Acquisition refers to the natural, subconscious process of absorbing language, similar to how children learn their first language, often through interaction and contextualized experiences. In contrast, learning involves the conscious understanding of grammar rules and language structure typically acquired through formal education. The idea of these two processes being simultaneous emphasizes that both acquisition and learning can complement each other in language development. While learners might primarily acquire language through social interactions and exposure, formal learning can enhance and refine their understanding, ultimately supporting effective communication. This understanding highlights the importance of providing learners with opportunities for both immersive experiences and structured language education, as both pathways contribute to the language development process.