Background to Language Learning Flashcards
6 cards from real TKT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Background to Language Learning flashcards as text
What is the main characteristic of 'communicative competence' as defined by Canale and Swain?
Answer: The ability to use language appropriately and effectively in social contexts
Communicative competence encompasses grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competence — allowing effective communication in real-world contexts.
What does 'overgeneralisation' mean in the context of language learning errors?
Answer: Applying a target language rule to contexts where it does not apply
Overgeneralisation occurs when learners extend a rule beyond its correct scope, such as saying 'goed' instead of 'went' by applying the regular past tense rule to an irregular verb.
Which of the following best describes 'affective factors' in language learning?
Answer: Emotional and psychological factors such as anxiety, motivation, and self-esteem
Affective factors relate to the emotional and psychological dimensions of learning, including anxiety, confidence, motivation, and attitude — all of which significantly influence language acquisition.
What is the difference between 'acquisition' and 'learning' according to Krashen's theory?
Answer: Acquisition is subconscious and natural; learning is conscious and deliberate
Krashen distinguishes subconscious acquisition (like a child's L1 development through natural exposure) from conscious learning (explicit study of language rules).
What is a 'learning style' in the context of language learning?
Answer: A learner's preferred way of processing and remembering new information
Learning styles refer to the individual differences in how learners prefer to process, organise, and retain new information — for example, visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic preferences.
In the context of language learning, what is 'comprehensible input'?
Answer: Language that is slightly above the learner's current level but still understandable
Krashen's concept of comprehensible input (i+1) refers to language just beyond the learner's current level — challenging but understandable with context clues.