Two-stage model of native language acquisition: natural oral-aural stage followed by nonnatural literacy stage¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article presents a stage model of native language acquisition in which the first stage is natural oral-aural development, "better known as speaking and listening," gained in the home before school, and the second stage is the nonnatural process of literacy, reading and writing, which is a cultural skill taught in school. The model holds that the stages "always follow in the proper sequence," so native speakers must be competent in the natural stage before progressing to the nonnatural one. The article applies this model to foreign language learning, arguing schools must supply the first stage.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The natural first stage must be developed before the nonnatural literacy stage can be successfully developed

Constraints¶

• The model is argued from native language acquisition and extended to foreign languages by analogy, not tested empirically in this paper

Target Learners¶

• children acquiring their native language
• foreign language learners

Target Learning Objectives¶

• oral-aural competency (speaking and listening)
• literacy (reading and writing)

Claims¶

• A 1997 conference paper reports, citing Sticht, a positive correlation between preschool oral language skills and later reading achievement [+W]
• The author of a 1997 conference paper reports finding no research supporting reverse transfer of skills from literacy to oral language [+W]
• Sticht's Law holds that reading skill cannot exceed listening skill [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Krashen's input hypothesis and Monitor Model of second language acquisition

Examples¶

• Foreign language instruction must establish oral-aural competency before teaching literacy
• Concentrate beginning foreign language instruction on listening and speaking

Key Sources¶

• Neiburg, Michael S. (1997). Following Native Language Acquisition. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (23rd, Hamamatsu, Japan, October 11, 1997). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED417613