What is monitor hypothesis?

The Monitor Hypothesis is a theory in second language acquisition that proposes that learners subconsciously use their knowledge of the language rules to monitor their speech and writing. The hypothesis was proposed by Stephen Krashen in the late 1970s.

According to the Monitor Hypothesis, learners have internalized the language rules to a certain extent, and they use this knowledge to correct errors they make while speaking or writing. The monitoring process, thus, helps learners improve their accuracy and fluency in the target language.

The hypothesis suggests that the use of the monitor is most effective when the learner has enough time to plan their speech or writing, and it is least effective when the learner has to produce language quickly. The monitoring process can also be negatively affected if the learner is anxious or self-conscious.

The Monitor Hypothesis has been criticized for overemphasizing the role of conscious knowledge in language learning and ignoring other important factors such as motivation, input, and interaction. Nonetheless, the hypothesis remains a useful theoretical framework for understanding how learners use their linguistic knowledge to monitor and correct their speech or writing.