Describe the main features of the Procedural Approach. How is it different from Chomsky’s approach?

The Procedural Approach, also known as the Process-Based Approach, is a theory of language acquisition that focuses on the development of language skills through practice, exposure, and the gradual acquisition of linguistic routines and procedures. This approach contrasts with Noam Chomsky's linguistic theory, known as Generative Grammar, which emphasizes innate linguistic structures and rules underlying language acquisition.

Main Features of the Procedural Approach:

1. Focus on Language Use: The Procedural Approach emphasizes the importance of using language in meaningful contexts. Language skills are acquired through repeated exposure to authentic language use in various communicative situations.

2. Learning by Doing: Language acquisition occurs through practice and repetition. Learners engage in tasks and activities that require them to use language actively, gradually internalizing linguistic patterns and routines.

3. Role of Input and Interaction: Input from the environment, including conversations, texts, and media, plays a crucial role in language development. Interaction with proficient speakers provides opportunities for learners to observe, imitate, and engage in communicative exchanges.

4. Developmental Stages: Language learning is viewed as a gradual process involving distinct stages of development. Learners progress from basic to more complex linguistic structures and functions as they gain proficiency.

5. Implicit Learning: The Procedural Approach emphasizes implicit learning of language rules and patterns through exposure and practice, rather than explicit instruction on grammar rules and structures.

6. Error Correction and Feedback: Learners benefit from error correction and feedback during communicative tasks. Correction is seen as a natural part of the learning process, helping learners refine their language skills.

Comparison with Chomsky's Approach (Generative Grammar):

1. Nature of Language Acquisition: The Procedural Approach views language acquisition as a process of skill development through exposure and practice, emphasizing the role of usage and experience. In contrast, Chomsky's approach suggests that language acquisition is guided by innate linguistic principles and structures encoded in the human brain.

2. Role of Innate Knowledge: Chomsky's approach posits the existence of a Universal Grammar, a set of innate linguistic principles common to all human languages. According to Chomsky, language learning involves discovering and applying these underlying rules. In contrast, the Procedural Approach focuses on learning language through procedural knowledge acquired from real-world language use.

3. Emphasis on Grammar: Generative Grammar places significant emphasis on syntax and grammatical rules, with a focus on the underlying structures that generate grammatical sentences. The Procedural Approach, while acknowledging the importance of grammar, emphasizes the development of language skills for effective communication in real-life contexts.

4. Formal vs. Functional Approach: Chomsky's approach is more formal and abstract, focusing on the underlying structure of language. The Procedural Approach takes a functional perspective, emphasizing language use and communication as the primary goals of language learning.

5. Instructional Implications: Chomsky's approach has influenced formal language teaching methods that emphasize explicit instruction on grammar rules and linguistic analysis. In contrast, the Procedural Approach advocates for communicative language teaching methods that prioritize meaningful interaction and language use in authentic contexts.

In summary, the Procedural Approach to language acquisition emphasizes the development of language skills through exposure, practice, and interaction, while Chomsky's approach (Generative Grammar) emphasizes innate linguistic structures and rules underlying language acquisition. These contrasting perspectives have implications for theories of language learning and instructional practices in language education.