People

acquire languages by understanding messages that contain language slightly

beyond their current level of competence.

The

acquisition is in charge of generating statements. These statements will

eventually be corrected by the monitor, the section where learning is stored.

Learners

of a second language acquire structural items in a predictable order regardless

of the order of presentation. This means that some structures are more easily

acquired than others, and the order of difficulty does not necessarily correspond

with what we believe is an easy or complex structure.

Understanding

a message is not enough to assure language acquisition; one must be open to the

message so that it reaches the language acquisition device. If we are relaxed

and in a pleasant learning environment, more input will reach the LAD, while if

we feel tense or are in a hostile environment, our efforts to provide input

will be fruitless.

Students

have two ways of developing second language skills: consciously focusing

attention on the form of the language (structure) or subconsciously

internalizing the new language, emphasising the message (meaning) rather than

the form.