Sentence Method

The sentence method began with Professor Stephen D. Krashen‘s (USC) research on Second Language Acquisition and the Comprehensible Input Hypothesis. It was developed and turned into a practical system for learning languages by Antimoon in 1995. Then in 2004, the system was refined and popularized by Khatzumoto of AJATT.

The Sentence Method of SLA is based on comprehensible input. It claims that after acquiring enough CI the learner will be able to correctly use L2 intuitively. The input is acquired via example sentences written in L2. These examples must be free from mistakes, and come from a variety of native sources that represent all practical applications of L2.

Sentences are fully acquired only when the learner can:

• Read the example sentence aloud in the native script
• Understand the meaning of every word in the sentence
• Understand the meaning of the entire sentence
• Write the sentence in the native script

Each sentence must be understood without the need for translation.
Sentences should NOT be memorized.

Makes sense, but…

Some people have a problem with this method. They erroneously believe that memorizing [do not memorize sentences] will not teach the learner how to manipulate the grammar and vocabulary, nor teach anything other than the example sentences.

These people are wrong, wrong, wrong! It has long been established that the human brain is optimized for language (there are 7 billion examples of this). Our super-computer-brain can deconstruct and reconstruct language to create original output. The only thing the human brain needs to produce comprehensible-output sufficient comprehensible-input.

What about Output?

What about it? Research suggests that humans can develop extremely high levels of language and literacy proficiency without any language output or production at all.

[Source: Krashen, S. (1994). "The Input Hypothesis and Its Rivals". Implicit and Explicit Learning of Languages, pp.45-77. London: Academic Press.]

I’m convinced … Read on, road warrior

I’m NOT convinced … see Studying Grammar for more info

How many sentences?

Before you begin hording tens of thousands of sentences you should know how many sentences your target should be. People new to the Sentence Method are quick to shout 10,000 (no more, no less). As if 10,000 is the magic number, once crossed will bestow the the gift of fluency. People who have used this method extensively tend to agree that 7,000-10,000 is sufficient. However, the number is influenced by three things: (1) current level of Japanese, (2) individual ability, (3) quality of sentences.

I break up the sentence count like this (assuming no prior knowledge):

Beginner – Intermediate Level	2500-3500 Sentences
Intermediate – Upper Level	2500-3500 Sentences
Upper – Advanced Level	2500-3500 Sentences

Where do I find example sentences?

see Where to Find Sentences for details

Final Notes

If you can, do; until you can, don’t.
If you can speak grammatically, do; until you can see Mistakes Damage by Antimoon

Don’t try to force output until you are ready. You risk the chance of becoming accustomed to using grammatically incorrect language patterns, and sounding unnatural/awkward. This is what happens to older immigrants who keep making the same mistakes, even after living in the country for decades. They initially learn how to say something, and continue to use the incorrect pattern after learning the correct one.

FURTHER READING School Supplies What it Takes to Learn Japanese Method Overview Studying Grammar Japanese Grammar Sentence Method How Long will it Take to Learn Japanese?

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