What does the output hypothesis suggest in second language acquisition?

The output hypothesis underscores the role of language production in the process of acquiring a second language. According to this theory, engaging in verbal output—like speaking or writing—encourages learners to process and internalize the language more effectively. By producing language, learners are challenged to formulate their thoughts and organize their linguistic knowledge, which can lead to greater understanding and competence in the language.

The premise is that when learners attempt to express themselves, they notice gaps in their knowledge, which motivates them to learn new structures, vocabulary, and grammatical rules. This active involvement in language use helps solidify their learning and supports the development of their linguistic skills. Therefore, the output hypothesis highlights the importance of not just exposure to the language, but also the practice of using it as a means of enhancing proficiency.