Which approach to language teaching advocates words and word chunks as the foundation for language learning?

The correct answer is Lexical approach.

Explanation:

The Lexical Approach, proposed by Michael Lewis in the 1990s, is an approach to language teaching based on the idea that language consists of grammaticalized lexis, not lexicalized grammar.

Key features of this approach include:

1. Focus on Words and Chunks: It asserts that the building blocks of language learning and communication are words and multi-word prefabricated chunks (such as collocations, idioms, fixed expressions, and semi-fixed phrases) rather than isolated grammatical rules.

2. Lexis vs. Grammar: Instead of learning grammar rules first and filling them with vocabulary words, learners are encouraged to perceive and learn chunked language as unified wholes.

Overview of Other Options:

• Task-based language learning: Focuses on the completion of meaningful tasks using the target language rather than focusing on specific language structures or vocabulary units.

• Communicative approach: Emphasizes interaction and communicative competence as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language.

• Grammar translation method: Focuses on detailed analysis of explicit grammar rules and translating texts to and from the target language.