Book floods and comprehensible input floods: providing ideal conditions for second language acquisition

Abstract

[Abstract]: In the field of second language (SL) learning there is now little argument that one of the ideal conditions for learning is the provision of ample language input, whether it is oral or written. The Fiji 'Book Flood' was one of the earliest studies of the effect of the provision of opportunities for regular reading in the classroom on growth in English, a second language, and it strongly supported the above observation. The article will examine the criticisms about the provision of only comprehensible input and the need for learners to focus on form also. It will argue that the Fiji Book Flood provided ideal conditions for both comprehensible input and for focus on form. The findings showed that sustained regular reading, by Grade 4 and 5 students in 8 schools, accelerated the development of second language proficiency in reading and listening, relative to those of matched control groups. The experiment was carried on for another year and the gains were found to have been sustained, and extended to writing and English grammar also. Interestingly, this enhancement in second language proficiency was found to have a positive effect upon children's proficiency in the first language also.