The Communicative view of language is the view behind the Natural Approach. Particular emphasis is laid on language as a set of messages that can be understood.

The Natural Approach is based on the following tenets:

• Language acquisition (an unconscious process developed through using language meaningfully) is different from language learning (consciously learning or discovering rules about a language) and language acquisition is the only way competence in a second language occurs. (The acquisition/learning hypothesis)
• Conscious learning operates only as a monitor or editor that checks or repairs the output of what has been acquired. (The monitor hypothesis)
• Grammatical structures are acquired in a predictable order and it does little good to try to learn them in another order.(The natural order hypothesis).
• People acquire language best from messages that are just slightly beyond their current competence. (The input hypothesis)
• The learner's emotional state can act as a filter that impedes or blocks input necessary to acquisition. (The affective filter hypothesis)

Here are some of the objectives of the Natural Approach

• it is designed to help beginner become intermediates
• It is designed to depend on learner needs

The syllabus for the Natural Approach is a communicative syllabus.

• Comprehensible input is presented in the target language, using technqiues such as TPR, mime and gesture.
• Group techniques are similar to Communicative Language Teaching.
• Learners start to talk when they are ready.