What does the 'Natural Approach' emphasize in language teaching?

The 'Natural Approach' emphasizes understanding language before producing it, aligning closely with how people typically acquire their first language. This method prioritizes comprehension, suggesting that learners should first grasp the meaning of the language through listening and reading before they attempt to speak or write it. This mirrors natural language acquisition where individuals often develop a passive understanding of language structure and vocabulary before actively using them in conversation.

By focusing on comprehension, the Natural Approach aims to reduce the anxiety often associated with language production, allowing learners to build confidence in their skills. This approach acknowledges that fluency and effective communication can develop more naturally when learners have a strong foundation of understanding before they fully engage in speaking or writing activities.