Explorations in Language Acquisition and Use

by Stephen D. Krashen

To those familiar with the field of linguistics and second-language acquisition, Stephen Krashen needs no introduction. He has published well over 300 books and articles and has been invited to deliver more than 300 lectures at universities throughout the United States and abroad. His widely known theory of second-language acquisition has had a huge impact on all areas of second-language research and teaching since the 1970s. This book amounts to a summary and assessment by Krashen of much of his work thus far, as well as a compilation of his thoughts about the future. Here, readers can follow Krashen as he

Genres: Linguistics, Education, Language, Teaching, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2003

About the author

Stephen Krashen is professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, who moved from the linguistics department to the faculty of the School of Education in 1994. He is a linguist, educational researcher, and activist.

Dr. Krashen has published more than 350 papers and books, contributing to the fields of second-language acquisition, bilingual education, and reading. He is credited with introducing various influential concepts and terms in the study of second-language acquisition, including the acquisition-learning hypothesis, the input hypothesis, the monitor hypothesis, the affective filter, and the natural order hypothesis. Most recently, Krashen promotes the use of free voluntary reading during second-language acquisition, which he says "is the most powerful tool we have in language education, first and second."

Dr. Krashen also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and was the winner of the 1978 Venice Beach Open Incline Press. He spent two years in Ethiopia teaching English and science with the Peace Corps.

Reviews

[Exina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explorations in Language Acquisition and Use was needed for my studies.

Stephen D. Krashen is a key figure in second language acquisition.
Though this book covers a wide range of topics, my favorite is the effect of free voluntary reading on SLA.

Great book, very useful.

[David S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The argument in support of language acquisition through comprehensive input presented here will be familiar to many who've fallen down the language-learning YouTube rabbit hole, which is where I found it recommended. It's a short volume at 85 pages plus references, however about half of that is an analysis and criticism of various academic studies which will only have any value to readers invested in the scholarship on language teaching. This leaves only about 40-45 pages meaningful to a general audience, which is not very much, even though the content is good and convincing. But because there are already so many entertaining and motivating videos available online from comprehensive input advocates (Krashen included) I could not suggest this volume now to ordinary readers and language-learners who aren't themselves deeply involved in language education.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, rethinking all those horrid grammar lessons I have wasted so much time on. And now I'm perfectly content with Andrew reading series books to his hearts content.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short summary of Krashen's work and lectures (up to 2003) in argument of a sharp focus on the comprehensible input method. Classroom and self-study applications are covered, with beginner, bridge, and intermediate level practices recommended. There's some great pages on the process of new ideas that I liked as well.

[Traveller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this 3 and a half stars, because although Krashen's theories brought a lot to the literacy acquisition table, he never seemed willing to review his theories in light of later research that revealed that Krashen's "comprehensive input" as explained in his "Monitor" hypotheses isn't enough. There has to be at least some explicit vocabulary learning, especially in the very early and initial phase of language learning, or else there is no foundation for scaffolding to take place.

[Dominic Neesam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krashen's hypotheses, instinct, and messages are crystal clear and eloquently argued in this short book. The downside to this publication is the pages of research descriptions. Unless you are a researcher yourself, you would save yourself time by skipping to the conclusions on these sections.

[Errol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I wonder how, with evidence pointing more clearly in one direction, we as a society keep going down less prosperous routes; the best starting place to integrate better learning methods is in my own habits, before sharing them more widely.

[Zack Lofton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great content but it’s pretty academic. Not surprisingly since it’s based on the author’s lectures.

[Agustin Baldioli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read chapter 4 if nothing else.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for any L2 teacher. The Bible of second language acquisition.