Podcast
Questions and Answers
Language serves no purpose beyond mere communication.
Language serves no purpose beyond mere communication.
False (B)
Who stated that studying human language approaches the 'human essence'?
Who stated that studying human language approaches the 'human essence'?
Noam Chomsky
Language consists of structured arrangements of _____ into larger units.
Language consists of structured arrangements of _____ into larger units.
sounds
Match the following terms related to language with their definitions:
Match the following terms related to language with their definitions:
Which of the following best describes a key feature of human language according to Pinker?
Which of the following best describes a key feature of human language according to Pinker?
Animal communication systems, like that of dolphins, are considered a form of language.
Animal communication systems, like that of dolphins, are considered a form of language.
The words, their pronunciation, and _____ of combining them are aspects of language understood by a community.
The words, their pronunciation, and _____ of combining them are aspects of language understood by a community.
Which method was widely used in language teaching for over eighty years?
Which method was widely used in language teaching for over eighty years?
Chomsky believed language was primarily based on surface structure.
Chomsky believed language was primarily based on surface structure.
What did Chomsky assert about language in the early sixties?
What did Chomsky assert about language in the early sixties?
The Grammar Translation method was seen as an intellectual exercise equal to the learning of ______.
The Grammar Translation method was seen as an intellectual exercise equal to the learning of ______.
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
What did proponents of the functional view of language argue?
What did proponents of the functional view of language argue?
The functional view implied that grammar was irrelevant to language teaching.
The functional view implied that grammar was irrelevant to language teaching.
What is 'rule-based creativity' in language teaching?
What is 'rule-based creativity' in language teaching?
Which of the following is included in the four categories referred to as 'Systems' in the Delta syllabus?
Which of the following is included in the four categories referred to as 'Systems' in the Delta syllabus?
Lexis refers to the system of sounds in a language.
Lexis refers to the system of sounds in a language.
Name one teaching approach that supports the 'anti-grammar' perspective.
Name one teaching approach that supports the 'anti-grammar' perspective.
In language studies, the term ______ refers to the structure and formation of sentences.
In language studies, the term ______ refers to the structure and formation of sentences.
Match the language aspects to their definitions:
Match the language aspects to their definitions:
Which language aspect is focused on when discussing the phrase, 'How would you like to pay?'?
Which language aspect is focused on when discussing the phrase, 'How would you like to pay?'?
Discourse markers are used to manage conversations.
Discourse markers are used to manage conversations.
What is one potential focus a teacher may have when working with learners to improve language competence?
What is one potential focus a teacher may have when working with learners to improve language competence?
The phrase 'Sounds good' can be considered a ______ in spoken English.
The phrase 'Sounds good' can be considered a ______ in spoken English.
Which of the following statements best describes the 'pro-grammar' perspective?
Which of the following statements best describes the 'pro-grammar' perspective?
Grammar is not a focus in any Delta lessons.
Grammar is not a focus in any Delta lessons.
What is a common challenge when categorizing language items into the four systems?
What is a common challenge when categorizing language items into the four systems?
An 8-year-old boy was arrested last night for ______ on railway property.
An 8-year-old boy was arrested last night for ______ on railway property.
What must a teacher consider when choosing a focus for a lesson?
What must a teacher consider when choosing a focus for a lesson?
What are extra language items called that help learners operate communicatively?
What are extra language items called that help learners operate communicatively?
The acquisition of a second language is best achieved under circumstances very similar to those of first language acquisition.
The acquisition of a second language is best achieved under circumstances very similar to those of first language acquisition.
What was a central issue among supporters of the ‘acquisition’ theory regarding explicit grammar rules?
What was a central issue among supporters of the ‘acquisition’ theory regarding explicit grammar rules?
______ acquisition happens with natural exposure to the language.
______ acquisition happens with natural exposure to the language.
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Which theory suggests that the processes of first and second language acquisition are identical?
Which theory suggests that the processes of first and second language acquisition are identical?
The rules of grammar are considered irrelevant in the context of language teaching according to the acquisition theory.
The rules of grammar are considered irrelevant in the context of language teaching according to the acquisition theory.
What does Norrington-Davies argue about the rules used in language classes?
What does Norrington-Davies argue about the rules used in language classes?
What term is used to describe a lesson that excessively focuses on grammar without practical use?
What term is used to describe a lesson that excessively focuses on grammar without practical use?
Real talk should be a minor component of a successful grammar lesson.
Real talk should be a minor component of a successful grammar lesson.
What is a significant issue with some grammar lessons as identified in the content?
What is a significant issue with some grammar lessons as identified in the content?
Lessons that include 'real language use' are considered _____ in their effectiveness.
Lessons that include 'real language use' are considered _____ in their effectiveness.
What is the primary focus of Task-based Language Teaching?
What is the primary focus of Task-based Language Teaching?
The Lexical Approach suggests that grammar is more important than lexis in language learning.
The Lexical Approach suggests that grammar is more important than lexis in language learning.
What term did Diane Larsen-Freeman introduce to describe grammar as a process?
What term did Diane Larsen-Freeman introduce to describe grammar as a process?
The __________ grammar describes how language is actually spoken and written without prescribing rules.
The __________ grammar describes how language is actually spoken and written without prescribing rules.
Match the following types of grammar with their definitions:
Match the following types of grammar with their definitions:
Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Lexical Approach?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Lexical Approach?
Comprehensible input needs to be tuned to the learner's level for effective language acquisition.
Comprehensible input needs to be tuned to the learner's level for effective language acquisition.
What approach emphasizes communication tasks for language learning, as suggested by Prabhu?
What approach emphasizes communication tasks for language learning, as suggested by Prabhu?
The phrase '__________ a campaign' is an example of a pre-formulated collocation.
The phrase '__________ a campaign' is an example of a pre-formulated collocation.
Match the following verbs with their predictable patterns:
Match the following verbs with their predictable patterns:
What is the main concern when analyzing language according to the context of use?
What is the main concern when analyzing language according to the context of use?
The concept of 'grammaticisation' refers to the mastery of grammatical rules.
The concept of 'grammaticisation' refers to the mastery of grammatical rules.
What term refers to language as it functions in actual communication, often reflecting social context?
What term refers to language as it functions in actual communication, often reflecting social context?
Research in the 1980s and 1990s placed greater emphasis on the role of __________ within language learning.
Research in the 1980s and 1990s placed greater emphasis on the role of __________ within language learning.
What does the term 'notorious practical jokers' imply about the cousins?
What does the term 'notorious practical jokers' imply about the cousins?
The character expected an apology from his cousins after the accident.
The character expected an apology from his cousins after the accident.
What injury did the character sustain after crashing into the gate?
What injury did the character sustain after crashing into the gate?
The character felt a lot of _____ after lying on the sand watching his cousins.
The character felt a lot of _____ after lying on the sand watching his cousins.
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
Match the following phrases with their meanings:
How did Pádraig's actions after the accident demonstrate a lack of concern?
How did Pádraig's actions after the accident demonstrate a lack of concern?
The character interpreted Pádraig's words as an indication that they would immediately go back to the village.
The character interpreted Pádraig's words as an indication that they would immediately go back to the village.
What should the teacher be cautious about when asking check questions?
What should the teacher be cautious about when asking check questions?
The phrase 'used to' indicates that something was _____ in the past.
The phrase 'used to' indicates that something was _____ in the past.
What technique can help learners visualize the meaning of verb forms?
What technique can help learners visualize the meaning of verb forms?
The character mentioned feeling strange about the pain at first.
The character mentioned feeling strange about the pain at first.
The phrase 'It’s been snowing' indicates the weather has been _____.
The phrase 'It’s been snowing' indicates the weather has been _____.
Match the following actions with their timelines:
Match the following actions with their timelines:
Flashcards
What is language?
What is language?
A system of communication built upon structured sounds, morphemes, words, sentences, and utterances.
Language as a product of human experience
Language as a product of human experience
The theory that language is not simply an abstraction, but something that emerged from the needs, experiences, and evolution of humanity.
How do humans use language?
How do humans use language?
The ability to produce and understand meaningful sounds through vocal chord activity.
Language as a communication system
Language as a communication system
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Language as a tool for shaping thoughts
Language as a tool for shaping thoughts
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Human language as a core feature of being human
Human language as a core feature of being human
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Language as a window into human nature
Language as a window into human nature
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Chomsky's view on the study of language
Chomsky's view on the study of language
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Grammar Translation Method
Grammar Translation Method
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Rule-Based Language Teaching
Rule-Based Language Teaching
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Functional View of Language
Functional View of Language
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Formal Structure of Language
Formal Structure of Language
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Audio-Lingual Method
Audio-Lingual Method
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Generative Grammar
Generative Grammar
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Surface Structure
Surface Structure
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Deep Structure
Deep Structure
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Discourse
Discourse
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Phonology
Phonology
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Fixed Lexical Phrase
Fixed Lexical Phrase
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Pro-grammar
Pro-grammar
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Anti-grammar
Anti-grammar
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Direct Method
Direct Method
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Audio-Lingualism
Audio-Lingualism
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Syntax
Syntax
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Anaphoric Reference
Anaphoric Reference
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Lexis
Lexis
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Collocation
Collocation
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Non-defining Relative Clause
Non-defining Relative Clause
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Embedded Question
Embedded Question
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Discourse Markers
Discourse Markers
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Ellipsis
Ellipsis
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Functional Exponents
Functional Exponents
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Grammar Needs Exponents
Grammar Needs Exponents
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Mimicking First Language Acquisition
Mimicking First Language Acquisition
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Rules vs. Real Use
Rules vs. Real Use
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Infinitude of Rules
Infinitude of Rules
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Natural Acquisition Theory
Natural Acquisition Theory
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Psychological Processes of Acquisition
Psychological Processes of Acquisition
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Concept Questions
Concept Questions
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Straight Equation
Straight Equation
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Checking Language Complexity
Checking Language Complexity
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Timelines for Verb Forms
Timelines for Verb Forms
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Present Perfect Continuous
Present Perfect Continuous
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Present Perfect
Present Perfect
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Future Perfect
Future Perfect
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Sentence Structure (Syntax)
Sentence Structure (Syntax)
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Obsessive Grammar Syndrome (OGS)
Obsessive Grammar Syndrome (OGS)
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Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus
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Descriptive grammar
Descriptive grammar
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Task-based Learning
Task-based Learning
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Lexical Approach
Lexical Approach
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Grammaring
Grammaring
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Grammar of Patterns
Grammar of Patterns
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Prescriptive grammar
Prescriptive grammar
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Pedagogic grammar
Pedagogic grammar
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Descriptive grammar
Descriptive grammar
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Lexical Approach
Lexical Approach
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Universal Grammar
Universal Grammar
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Language Acquisition
Language Acquisition
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Comprehensible Input
Comprehensible Input
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Communicative Language Teaching
Communicative Language Teaching
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Communicative Competence
Communicative Competence
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Pragmatics
Pragmatics
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Study Notes
Views of Language
- Language is a system of structured sounds (or written representations) forming units like morphemes, words, sentences, and utterances. It also includes non-human communication systems.
- Language arises from human experience, needs, and emotions across generations. It's grounded in human activity, not abstract learning.
- Language is the ability to make meaningful sounds using vocal chords. It's a system of conventions using sounds, signs, and gestures for conveying ideas and feelings within a community.
- Humans shape each other's minds through sound, creating new ideas.
- By the early 1980s, it was clear that grammar rules were crucial for many learners, alongside specific language items—exponents—for communicative functions in common situations (e.g., polite requests).
Language as a System vs. Code
- Some views of language see it as components (system), while others focus on its communicative function (code).
- Studying human language is foundational to understanding human essence and unique mental capacities.
Language in the Delta Programme
- Language is fundamental to the Delta syllabus.
- Language awareness is crucial in every lesson, including adapting language to student levels, answering questions, and refining student communication.
- The Delta syllabus uses four language categories: lexis, grammar, discourse, and phonology.
Categorizing Language Items (Task)
- Categorizing language elements (lexis, grammar, discourse, phonology) isn't always straightforward.
- Classifying specific examples demonstrates the complexities in categorizing language elements.
A Historical Overview: Grammar in Language Learning
- Anti-grammar approaches (e.g., Direct Method, Audio-lingualism) believe explicit grammar rules hinder natural learning. These methods use the target language as the medium of instruction and teach grammar implicitly.
- Pro-grammar approaches (e.g., Grammar-Translation method) believe explicit teaching aids language learning. This method, prevalent in secondary schools, focuses on rules and their application – often as a translation exercise.
- Chomsky's Influence: Chomsky saw language as rule-based and generative. This view differs from traditional language teaching rules.
- Functions: The functional view of language emphasizes its use and purpose, shifting the focus from grammatical complexity to practical functions.
- Language rules are infinitely numerous, subtle, multi-dimensional, and often indescribable, making explicit enumeration or description counterproductive. Language rules should focus on why language is used, based on the context.
Terminology
- Using the correct terminology is crucial for Delta modules.
- Consult reference books like the Longman Dictionary of Applied Linguistics and An A-Z of ELT to enhance understanding.
Language Acquisition Theories
- Research in the late 1970s and 1980s emphasized the psychological and mental processes of second language acquisition.
- Natural acquisition thrives on natural language exposure, similar to first language acquisition, as seen in the Direct Method. The concept was debated due to the differences between child and adult language acquisition contexts.
Explicit Rules
-Explicit focus on grammar rules is often desired by learners, but not always supported by acquisition theory, which argues that real-world language rules are complex, unconscious, and indescribable to the extent that focusing on them is unproductive.
The Lexical Approach
- Lexis (vocabulary) plays a significant role in language, often stored in the brain as collocations, fixed or semi-fixed phrases.
- Functional exponents are also considered part of this lexical approach.
Grammaring
- Recent views see grammar as a process rather than a product, emerging gradually through noticing and uncovering.
The Grammar of Patterns
- Grammar and lexis are interconnected, not separate.
- Verbs and nouns have predictable patterns that aid understanding of language, including verb patterns and noun phrases.
Researching Language
- Prescriptive grammar sets rules for "best" or "correct" usage.
- Descriptive grammar describes actual language use.
- Pedagogic grammar provides simplified rules for teaching. Grammar notes in coursebooks are typically pedagogic.
Analysing, Clarifying and Checking Meaning
- Concept questions can help clarify meaning in language items and grammatical structures.
- Check meaning accurately for given levels (like upper intermediate/advanced). Avoid using more complex language in your examples.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore various views on language, including its structure, communication, and human experience. This quiz delves into how language functions as both a system and code, highlighting its importance in the Delta Programme. Test your understanding of these concepts and their implications in language learning.
