Mechanistic vs. Holistic Language Learning – a Paradigm Change or Paradigm Paralysis?

There are three ways to view the relationship between traditional (“mechanistic”) and innovative (“holistic”) second language teaching learning: as nearing towards a paradigm shift, an existing dialectic tension two competing paradigms, or state of “paradigm paralysis”. Paradigm is overall concept accepted by community researchers specialists main guiding principle in their endeavour. The mechanistic learning regards acquisition process that conscious artificial construction knowledge learner’s mind. persistent widespread failure instruction produce fluent speakers might be attributed not only faults on part learners teachers but also underlying teaching. Is moving shift Kuhnian sense paradigms co-existing side generating fruitful discussion? paralysis”, i.e. entrenchment both sides rigid inflexible opposition, reality field teaching? Our evolving understanding urges us compare holistic approaches, develop new perspectives make informed decisions.