Stillerom

Stillerom is a concept in Swedish language instruction that focuses on the acquisition of implicit language knowledge through interaction with authentic materials. The term was first introduced by Ulf Lundquist, a Swedish linguist, who aimed to move away from a traditional, explicit-based approach to language teaching in the 1980s.

According to Stillerom, learners acquire language by recognizing patterns and relationships within a text, rather than being explicitly taught grammar rules. This approach prioritizes comprehension and meaning over syntactical accuracy, reflecting the natural way people pick up language in everyday communication. Proponents of Stillerom argue that this method more closely mimics the way children learn language, which is through exposure to authentic contexts.

The methodology behind Stillerom relies heavily on authentic materials such as films, television shows, and magazines. Teachers place learners in the role of " listener" or "reader", asking them to identify correct or incorrect language forms in a realistic context. The teacher may not provide grammar explanations, but instead encourages learners to hypothesize and question about the language, promoting recognition and understanding of linguistic organization.

Studies have demonstrated that Stillerom can be highly effective in terms of language acquisition, particularly for learners seeking to comprehend the syntax and vocabulary of a target language. Teachers can adapt this approach to suit the needs of their classroom and learning objectives, scheduling time for explicit teaching of certain grammar rules when necessary. However, Stillerom may require significant teacher experience and training to implement successfully.