Theories in Language Study

The development of human understanding about language learning is really progressing from time to time. However, there are some important points which is necessary to consider in gaining a thorough perception of the nature and function of language. Therefore, it will be highlighted briefly the development of some theories related to language learning.

The systematic language learning theory which came about firstly is Traditional Grammar. In this concept, sentences are developed in the form of components such as subject, predicate, direct and indirect object, etc. This theory is influenced by the feature of classical languages (Latin and Greek).  According to Hutchinson and Waters (1987: 25) traditional grammar has given teachers an indirect guidance which is really helpful to operate languages nowadays.

Furthermore, the rise of Structural Linguistics in 1930 might be a great challenge for the proponents of  Traditional Grammar. In the concept of Structural, grammar is illustrated based on syntagmatic structures (i.e. statement, question, rejection, etc.) and notion (i.e. time, quantity, gender, etc.). The most influential proponent of this concept is Leonard Bloomfield (1935). The language concept which is in the structural “column and fill” form is widely used in Bahasa Indonesia textbooks, particularly those written based on the 1975 curriculum.

In the decade of 1960s, generative-transformational linguistics emerged through the influence of Noam Chomsky and number of his followers. Chomsky established the fundamental concept called syntactic structures. He argued that structural linguistics is a shallow concept in which it only explained the surface structure of a sentence without explaining its correlated meaning. Thus, this concept gave a great impact in linguistic study. However, Chomsky’s influence didn’t give any significance in language learning nowadays but remained an indirect effect.

Moreover, in 1980s, a concept called Systemic Linguistics came about. The proponents of this concept believe that a language may be viewed through a simultaneous three-layered structure. The first layer is interpersonal layer which refers to the one’s knowledge regarding the negotiated information. Meanwhile, the second is ideational layer defined as the amount of information contained in one utterance. The last is textual layer which provides the reflection of notion in which a discourse comprises speakers performance by turns. From this perspective, the role of systemic linguists did not only define a language as a concept but place its position in the structure of social communication.

Reference:

Suherdi, Didi. (2012). REKONSTRUKSI PENDIDIKAN BAHASA: Sebuah Keniscayaan bagi Keunggulan Bangsa. Bandung: Celtics Press