Automatic Language Growth: Origins, Strengths, and Shortcomings

Automatic Language Growth (ALG) is a method of language acquisition that emphasizes natural, effortless learning through exposure and interaction, rather than relying on explicit grammar rules or formal instruction. 

ALG has gained attention in the field of second language acquisition for its focus on creating an immersive environment where learners naturally acquire a language in the same way they acquire their native tongue. 

While this method certainly has its merits, it certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for learning and mastering a second language. Let’s explore the origins of ALG, its key principles, advantages, and limitations. Read on.

Origins of Automatic Language Growth

ALG was developed by Dr. J. Marvin Brown, a researcher and linguist, in the 1980s. His approach draws heavily from the natural processes involved in acquiring a first language, emphasizing the role of listening and observation of the surrounding environment.

Brown began experimenting with ALG while teaching at the AUA Language Center in Bangkok, Thailand, where he used it to teach Thai to foreign learners.

Brown’s ALG theory is built on the observation that children do not need explicit grammar instruction to learn their native languages—they simply acquire language through exposure, social interaction, and contextual understanding. 

This observation led to the development of ALG, which advocates for creating a language-rich environment where learners naturally absorb language in a similar way.

The ALG method draws parallels with renowned language acquisition theories, particularly Stephen Krashen’s “Comprehensible Input” hypothesis. 

Krashen’s theory argues that language learners acquire language most effectively when they are exposed to input that is slightly beyond their current level of proficiency (referred to as “i+1”). This principle aligns with ALG’s emphasis on meaningful exposure to the language in a communicative context.

Key Principles of ALG

The primary principle of ALG is that language learning should occur passively, through natural exposure and interaction. The key aspects of ALG include:

1. Comprehensible Input: Just as in Krashen’s theory, ALG stresses the importance of being exposed to language that is understandable yet slightly challenging, which helps learners progress naturally.
2. Focus on Listening: In ALG, listening is prioritized over speaking. Learners are encouraged to listen to the language being spoken around them, focusing on context and meaning rather than individual words or grammatical rules.
3. Immersive Environment: The method advocates for an environment rich in the target language, where learners are constantly exposed to the language through media, conversation, and contextually relevant interactions.
4. Fluency before Accuracy: The focus is on achieving fluency before precision. Learners are not corrected for mistakes and are encouraged to continue using the language without concern for perfect grammar, which helps build confidence and a more natural flow of speech.

Advantages of Automatic Language Growth

1. Natural Learning Process: ALG mimics the natural language acquisition process used by children, allowing learners to absorb the language in a relaxed and stress-free manner. This approach can help reduce the anxiety often associated with traditional language learning (where learners might feel pressured to memorize rules and speak perfectly from the start).
2. Focus on Communication: Since the emphasis is on understanding and being understood, learners can communicate more confidently, even if their grammar isn’t perfect. This promotes practical, real-world usage of the language rather than just theoretical knowledge.
3. Retention and Long-Term Memory: ALG promotes immersive, contextualized learning, which enhances vocabulary and phrase retention. By focusing on context and meaning, learners internalize the language for long-term retention.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: ALG can be applied to any language and is adaptable to learners of all levels. It can be used in a variety of settings, from language immersion programs to self-study with language learning apps or media.

Shortcomings of Automatic Language Growth

While ALG has many benefits, it is not without its shortcomings:

1. Time-Consuming: Achieving proficiency through ALG requires a substantial investment of time, often involving hundreds of hours of exposure to comprehensible input before significant progress is evident.
2. Lack of Focus on Writing and Reading Skills: ALG focuses primarily on listening and speaking skills, which means that learners may struggle with reading and writing in the target language. For many learners, reading and writing are essential skills that are not as easily acquired through passive exposure alone.
3. Limited Feedback: Since ALG discourages correction of mistakes, some learners may not receive the necessary feedback to improve their accuracy. While this method prioritizes fluency, it may lead to persistent errors that could hinder overall language development in the long term.
4. Inaccessibility and Resource Dependency: Creating an immersive language environment can be difficult for some learners, particularly those living in regions where the target language is not spoken or with limited access to native speakers. However, this challenge is less significant today due to the abundance of online resources, media, and platforms that easily connect learners with native speakers, making practice and language development more accessible than ever.
5. Individual Variability: The effectiveness of ALG can vary between learners, as each has different learning preferences and needs. While many thrive in an immersive, contextualized environment, others may require more structured guidance or explicit instruction to achieve their desired outcomes, particularly those who prefer traditional learning methods.
6. Adult brains differ from children’s: A key criticism of the ALG method is its analogy between how children acquire their first language and how adults learn a second. Critics argue that adults’ brains function differently, particularly in terms of language learning.

This final point—adult brains differ from children’s—is crucial to avoid over-romanticizing ALG as the ultimate language learning method. Let’s explore it in more detail:

• Brain Plasticity: Children have a higher degree of neuroplasticity, meaning their brains are more adaptable and capable of absorbing new information, including language. This heightened plasticity allows them to acquire languages more easily, often without the need for conscious effort or structured learning. Adults, on the other hand, have less neuroplasticity, making it harder for them to pick up languages in the same way.
• Cognitive and Emotional Factors: Adults typically have a more complex cognitive structure, including pre-existing knowledge and experiences, which can interfere with language learning. They also tend to be more self-conscious and anxious, which can raise their “affective filter” and hinder the natural language acquisition process that children experience.

So, while ALG has proven successful for many adults, especially in highly immersive contexts, the critique regarding the cognitive processing differences between children and adults is an important consideration. Adults may not have the same innate ability to absorb language as children, which can make ALG more challenging without additional support or modifications.

Is Automatic Language Growth right for me?

Despite all the shortcomings of ALG mentioned above, the key principles of immersive and meaningful language exposure can still be effective for adult learners, especially with the help of modern technology that provides more access to native speakers and resources.

Whether or not ALG is right for you depends on several factors like your personality, personal circumstances, and learning style. The best way to find out is to experiment with ALG and evaluate its impact on your progress.

Above all, this doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. Consider adopting a balanced approach to language learning—one that acknowledges both the strengths of the ALG method while also incorporating traditional methods like structured grammar practice, vocabulary drills, and guided conversations. Combining the best of both worlds can create a learning experience that’s not only effective but also tailored to your unique needs.

In the end, language learning is a multi-faceted journey and no single method works perfectly for everyone. By staying flexible and open to different strategies, you can find what resonates with you and keeps you motivated to achieve your goals.

If the ALG approach resonates with you and you are learning European Portuguese, I highly recommend diving into my popular Listening Drills. For those learning Brazilian Portuguese, I suggest exploring Márlio Barcelos’ Academia Lusófona and his excellent content on Instagram at @academilusofona.