Stephen Krashen
Stephen Krashen is an American linguist and educational researcher, professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, best known for his theory of second-language acquisition and the concept of comprehensible input.
Born in 1941, Krashen has published hundreds of papers and books on language acquisition, bilingual education, and reading. In the late 1970s and early 1980s he developed a theory of second-language acquisition built on five hypotheses, of which the input hypothesis is the centrepiece.
His work shifted the field toward meaning-focused, input-rich teaching and away from grammar drills. He is also a strong advocate of free voluntary reading — the idea that wide, self-selected reading is one of the most powerful sources of comprehensible input and literacy development.
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FAQ
Who is Stephen Krashen?
An American linguist and professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, best known for his theory of second-language acquisition and the idea of comprehensible input.
What is Krashen famous for?
His five hypotheses of second-language acquisition — especially the input hypothesis — and his advocacy of free voluntary reading.
What did Krashen change about language teaching?
He moved the field toward meaning-focused, input-rich instruction and away from grammar drilling and forced early output.