What does the natural order hypothesis describe?

The natural order hypothesis describes the typical order of language acquisition that learners tend to follow when acquiring a second language. This hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, posits that language learners progress through a series of stages in a predictable sequence, similar to how children acquire their first language. According to this hypothesis, certain grammatical structures are acquired before others, irrespective of the learner's age or the specific language being learned.

This framework helps educators understand that learners may not be able to use complex language structures until they have mastered simpler forms, and it emphasizes the importance of providing instruction that aligns with the learner's current developmental stage rather than focusing on explicit grammar rules. This understanding informs effective teaching strategies in language instruction, allowing for more effective scaffolding and support to foster language development.