Approach The Theory of Natural Approach

a. Approach

The theory of language of Natural Approach sees communication as the primary function of language Richard Rodgers, 2001: 179. Since the approach focuses on teaching communicative abilities, the Natural Approach is considered as an example of a communicative approach Krashen Terrell 1983: 17. Besides, the theory of language of Natural Approach emphasizes the primacy of meaning. Here, the importance of the vocabulary is stressed. Nevertheless, the Natural Approach views language learning as mastery of structures by stages. Natural Approach is built from five hypotheses proposed by Krashen 1983. The hypotheses propose two theories addressed both the process and the condition for the process to take place. The five hypotheses are as follows. 1 The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis Based on the Natural Approach, there are two distinctive ways of developing competence in a second or foreign language those are acquisition and learning. Acquisition refers to the natural assimilation of language rules using language for meaningful communication and language mastery commits unconscious process. Learning, by contrast, refers to a process in which conscious rules about a language are developed a conscious process that results in knowing about language. It results in explicit knowledge about the forms of a language and the ability to verbalize this knowledge. 2 The Natural Order Hypothesis According to the Natural Approach, the grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order. Errors are signs of naturalistic developmental PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI process. The acquisition will take place naturally without emphasizing on error correction. Speech errors that do not interference with communication are not corrected. 3 The Monitor Hypothesis This hypothesis states how conscious learning are used in production. This needs “formal knowledge” of the language to check and make repairs on the output of the acquired system. The Natural Approach encourages appropriate and optimal monitor use. Learners are expected to use the conscious grammar when they have enough time, when the focus is in form, and when they know the rule. However, learners are not expected to apply the rules consciously in the oral communication activities in the classroom because the focus is on communication and not form. In the case of children learning language, the monitor hypothesis is not emphasized since the concern is in “what we are saying” and not “how we are saying it.” 4 The Input Hypothesis According to Krashen Terrell 1983: 32, the input hypothesis claims that respective skills are primary important in the language program and the productive skills will come on its own with time. It is established by building up learners’ competence through comprehending input by teachers. Language input includes a structure that is part of the next stage that is to be understood by learners in order to progress to the next stage in the acquisition of the target language Krashen Terrell, 1983: 32. Thus, input hypothesis emphasize meaning to acquire language through context and extra-linguistic information. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI Krashen Terrell 1983: 32 stated i +1 formula. A student can move from a stage i where i is the student’s level of competence to stage i + 1 where i + 1 is the stage immediately following i. In accomplishing this, therefore, teachers should ensure that the learners understand what is being said or what they are reading. 5 The Affective Filter Hypothesis The Natural Approach aims to bring down the effective filter as lower as possible by eliminating pressure and anxiety. A low filter means that the learners are more open to the input, and that the input strikes deeper. In order to lower the affective filter, learners are encouraged to get motivation and good self-images, so they can perform optimal attitudes. The optimal attitude will promote learners to try to get more input, to interact with speaker of target language with confidence, and also to be more receptive to the input they get.

b. The Goal of the Natural Approach