What is a language learning approach?

A language learning approach consists of the following three elements:

• views about the nature of language
• beliefs about language learning, and
• ideas about how the above should be applied practically to language learning and teaching.

Richard and Rogers (1986) cite the following examples of approaches:

• The Oral Approach
• The Structural Approach
• The Natural Approach
• The Communicative Approach

Brown 1994, p. 159, Richards and Rogers, 1986

• Concept module: language learning approach
• In overview module: Information about language and language learning
• In modular book: Prepare for Language Learning, by Carol J. Orwig
• In bookshelf: Language Learning

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 3.5, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 21 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International