Language Teaching Methods Explained
Direct Method
We use this method because we speak in the language that we are learning. The teacher speaks in the target language. The aim is to teach students in a way that they acquire the target language similarly to how they acquired their first language. This method immerses the student in English. The teacher uses realia, visual aids, and demonstrations to teach English to students.
Advantages
- Actually teaches the language and doesn’t teach about the language.
- Introduced the use of teaching vocabulary
Key Linguistics Concepts and Terminology Explained
Conversation Analysis
An approach to the study of social interaction, embracing both verbal and non-verbal conduct, in situations of everyday life.
Contrastive Linguistics
A branch of comparative linguistics concerned with pairs of languages that are ‘socio-culturally linked’. These languages are often used by a considerable number of bi- or multilingual speakers, and/or a substantial amount of ‘linguistic output’ (text, discourse) is translated between them.
Language Assessment
A field of study
Read MoreCharacteristics of Scientific, Legal & Humanistic Texts
Scientific Texts
Communicative Characteristics
- Target: The primary communicative purpose is the transmission of knowledge.
- Communicative Situation: Determines the language used and discursive features.
- Transmitters and Receivers: Issuers are typically specialists knowledgeable about the subject matter. Receivers can be specialists or the general public.
- Theme: Limited to a specific field of expertise, such as chemistry.
- Code: Consists of general language combined with a specialized subcode featuring specific
Understanding Language Acquisition in Early Childhood
When Does Language Acquisition Start?
When children are 2 months old.
Learning How to Point: Importance for Communication Development
Gestures and eye contact are crucial for expressing desires and interests.
Can a Child Learn Their First Language from TV?
Yes, children can learn from TV, but not as effectively as through interaction.
What Kind of Words Do Children Learn First in Language Acquisition?
The first words are often “mom” or “dad.” Learning is gradual, with children acquiring 1 to 2 words per
Read MoreIntegrating Language Skills: Content, Tasks, and Themes
Integrating Language Skills in Curriculum Design
Segregation vs. Integration
Segregation:
- Focus on language forms predisposes curriculum designers to segment courses into separate language skills.
- Administrative considerations often make it easier to program separate courses.
- Specific purposes for which students are studying English may be best labeled by one of the four skills, especially at the high intermediate to advanced levels.
Integration:
- Production and reception are two sides of the same coin.
Understanding Language Varieties: Cultural and Social Influences
Item 6. The Cultural Varieties and Records, Classes, and Types
For communication to occur successfully, the speakers of a language must know the common code of that language and use it properly.
In practice, we can see a number of factors (geographical, cultural, or situational) that contribute to the diversity seen in the use of a language. These factors are:
- Location: The particularities in the use of a language result in different dialects. Example: Castilian (Murcia, Extremadura, Andalusia, and