language theory

The Audio-Lingual method started in the 1940s as language training for World War II troops, who needed quick training for basic communication. The technique was broadened and popularized in the 50s and 60s and is still used today, mostly in combination with other methods. Drawing on the theories of American linguists Leonard Bloomfield and Charles Fries, the method is based on behaviorism, or giving a stimulus and response which immediately conveys positive or negative feedback. In the case of language learning, the teacher makes a statement that students repeat.