What aspect of language does the natural order hypothesis primarily focus on?

The natural order hypothesis focuses on the idea that language acquisition occurs in a predictable sequence of stages, regardless of the order in which instruction is provided. This hypothesis suggests that learners acquire grammatical structures of a second language in a specific order that is similar across different individuals and contexts. For instance, certain grammatical forms are typically mastered before others, reflecting a natural progression in language development.

This understanding emphasizes that language learning is not simply about exposure or practice, but rather follows an inherent order that educators should consider when designing effective language instruction. Recognizing these predictable patterns of acquisition can inform teaching strategies, allowing teachers to tailor their lessons in a way that aligns with how students naturally learn and develop language skills.

The other options touch on different elements of language learning but do not encapsulate the core focus of the natural order hypothesis as accurately as the predictable patterns of language acquisition do.