Input and Interaction : Classroom Implications for Second Language Acquisition

Evidence from research and claims made by researchers surveyed in this article indicate that comprehension of input is a necessary (although not sufficient) condition for second language acquisition. This input is made comprehensible through conversational interaction with native-speakers and advanced L2 learners. It is through interactional modification with an interlocutor, such as confirmation and comprehension checks, clarification requests, repetitions and expansions made during the negotiation of meaning that input is made comprehensible. Interaction with other nonnative-speakers, especially those who are more advanced, can be as beneficial as interaction with native-speakers. As with most issues concerned with SLA, there isn't a consensus concerning corrective feedback during conversational interactions. Some researchers report that it plays no role in the learning process, while others argue the necessity of pointing out the gap between a learner's present state and more target like states. According to these researchers, comprehension of input, while necessary, is not sufficient to guarantee second language acquisition. The learner must also be encouraged to produce language that includes "comprehensible output" for target-like SLA to occur.departmental bulletin pape