Which hypothesis suggests emotional factors affect the ability to learn another language?

The Affective Filter Hypothesis is a concept developed by Stephen Krashen, which posits that emotional factors can significantly influence the process of learning a new language. This hypothesis highlights the idea that a learner's emotional state—such as anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence—can either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of a second language. When a learner experiences high levels of anxiety or negative emotions, they may create a psychological barrier or "filter" that prevents them from fully engaging with the language input. Conversely, when learners feel relaxed and motivated, they are more likely to absorb and comprehend the new language effectively.

This theory emphasizes how crucial emotional well-being is to the language learning process, asserting that educators need to be aware of these emotional factors and create positive, supportive learning environments that help lower the affective filter, thereby enhancing language acquisition. The other hypotheses mentioned, such as the Input Hypothesis, Acquisition-learning Theory, and Cognitive Theory, focus on different aspects of language learning, such as the importance of comprehensible input or the cognitive processes involved, but do not specifically address the emotional factors at play in the learning process.