The Affective Filter Hypothesis

The Affective Filter Hypothesis

1. the second language acquisition process

2. proposed by Duley and Burt (1977)

   • reviewed by Krashen (1981)

3. a variety of variables related to success in the second language acquisition process

   • three principals categories:
     • MOTIVATION
       • high motivation generally do better in second language acquisition
     • SELF-CONFIDENCE
       • self-confidence and a good self-image tend to do better in second language acquisition
     • ANXIETY
       • appears to be conducive to second language acquisition

4. the effect of affect is outside the language acquisition device proper

   • input is the primary causative variable in second language acquisition
   • affective variables act to impede if facilitate the delivery of input to the language acquisition device

5. the hypothesis explains why for an acquirer to obtain a great deal of comprehensible input