- Language is "acquired" - not "learned" through a subconscious process. This is similar to how you acquired your native language as a child. Language that is "acquired" is yours to keep forever.
- Language is "acquired" by only one method: understanding messages in the language you are acquiring. This is called "comprehensible input." There are two ways to get comprehensible input: listening and reading. Listening is the more important of the two.
- Since "acquiring" language is not conscious, it does not require you to "think" about what you are doing. You do not need to "study" grammar or pronunciation or vocabulary.
- Everyone is equally able to "acquire" a language.
- You will begin to speak and write the language as you acquire it. Output comes after, and as the result of, input.
- Acquiring a language is and should be a relaxing, fun experience. Being nervous or upset will hinder your acquisition.
- Acquiring through Comprehensible Input will involve interesting activities, such as stories and personal information. These will make the lessons more memorable.
Dr. Stephen Krashen explains Comprehensible Input in a nutshell.
Michele Whaley teaches a sample Comprehensible Input lesson in Russian for middle school students.
Dr. Terry Waltz talks about Comprehensible Input with Chinese.
