Studies On Comprehensible Input And Its Implications For English Learning And Teaching

In this paper, the author has not only reviewed the status of the study on The Input Hypothesis presented by Stephen D. Krashen, but also put forward the author's opinions: we cannot always doggedly play only the "doubting game", a way of seeking truth by seeking error, by assuming an assertion untrue, by making a special effort to extricate oneself from the assertions in question. We need to maintain a sense of perspective in second language acquisition research by seeing both the "art" and the "science" of it. At present, the most important is how we can derive from a so influential theory like the Input Hypothesis of Krashen enlightened approaches to teaching, and improve the theory through the practice. Although English learning and teaching in China is time-consuming with low efficiency and mainly works for examinations, Krashen's theory on comprehensible input is applicable and implicative to foreign language learning and teaching in China, and has certainly opened another door for Chinese to the pursuit of language competence.Foreign language learning and teaching in China is conducted in a large country where there is little English-speaking community. The learners' exposure to the language is very limited. Thus it is suggested to enrich the environment with sufficient comprehensible language input for English acquisition on micro-level and macro-level.In order to improve the environment for English acquisition on micro-level, we may do as the followings:(a) removing students" psychological block in language learning by full use of games and songs;(b) making sure that the input provided is interesting, motivating and sufficient by making good use of audioand visual aids;As to improve the environment for English acquisition on macro-level, we should focus on the followings:(a) making stronger foreign language education policies and overall foreign language planning;(b) raising awareness and interest in English in the society;(c) setting up experimental bases in well-equipped secondary vocational and technical schools;(d) good education of the native language can facilitate foreign language acquisition.The suggestions on how to improve the environment for English acquisition on both macro-level and micro-level, and the methods to facilitate students to enjoy learning English may be at least as reference for teachers of English who wish to improve their work, and may be helpful for the reform of English education in our country.