The Comprehension of natural speech in second language learning

Abstract

This paper provides a case for the importance of the comprehension of natural speech, and elaborates a concept of 'multi-dialectal receptive competence'. It then examines the treatment of natural speech in three major theoretical approaches to second language acquisitions the audio-lingual, the Chomskyan, and the most recent 'natural' language learning theory. A recent research study is examined and interpreted, and a set of implications for future research and teaching programmes is offered.