What concept emphasizes understanding language meaning before form?

The concept that emphasizes understanding language meaning before form is comprehensible input. This approach, rooted in the theories of language acquisition proposed by Stephen Krashen, posits that learners acquire language more effectively when they are exposed to language that they can understand. The focus is on providing input that is slightly beyond the current level of the learner’s understanding, often referred to as "i+1".

By emphasizing the meaning of language, comprehensible input allows learners to make connections with their existing knowledge and gradually acquire the grammatical forms and vocabulary necessary for more sophisticated communication. This principle highlights the importance of meaning in language learning, ensuring that students grasp the essence of what is being communicated before fully engaging with the precise structure of the language.

In contrast, phonology primarily deals with the sound system of a language, phonics focuses on the relationship between sounds and their written representation, and surface culture refers to the visible aspects of culture (such as food, clothing, and celebrations) rather than the deep understanding required for effective language learning. Thus, comprehensible input stands out as the key concept related to prioritizing meaning over specific language forms.