Language is learnt only through use, practice.
The more the learner is exposed to the use of
language the better the chances of learning it.
The production oflanguage depends on the
situation which makes its use necessary.
Language cannot be taught divorced from the
situation; the teacher has to introduce each new
pattern of language in a meaningful situation.
Producing the correct linguistic response to a
stimulus requires effort. If the learner is not called
upon to make this effort there is no learning.
Producing the correct response also requires
attention. Attention is bound to slacken after a time,
so prolonged practice is less useful than spaced
practice.
The spoken language comes earlier than the written
form. The receptive (passive) experience of language
is necessary before any productive (active) use can
begin.
Learning takes place faster if the correct response
to a stimulus is immediately confirmed. The learner
must know at once if the effort made is right or
wrong.
Learning is faster if the learner is placed in a situation
where s/he can produce only the correct response.
Each incorrect response builds up a faulty behaviour
pattern which interferes with the process of
conditioning.
Every new item learnt must be reinforced by further
practice before further learning begins.