Teaching Additional Languages in Intermediate Phase

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Questions and Answers

What is a core component of the Interactionist Theory of Second Language Acquisition?

Passive listening to native speakers.

Individual study with textbooks.

Memorization of grammar rules.

Meaningful interaction and negotiation. (correct)

According to the provided content, what is the role of comprehensible input in language learning?

To discourage language output.

To offer language that learners can understand. (correct)

To overwhelm learners with new vocabulary.

To provide complex grammatical structures.

Why is comprehensible output important in language acquisition?

To allow teachers to correct mispronunciations.

To help learners solidify understanding through language production. (correct)

Because learners need to memorize long lists of vocabulary.

Because learners need to copy the teacher.

Which type of learning environment best supports the Interactionist Theory of language acquisition?

A classroom where learners engage in continuous interaction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What teaching strategy is NOT recommended for additional language learners?

Discouraging discussion and group work. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the CAPS document, what defines an additional language?

A language that is not the learner's mother tongue but serves specific communicative functions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the module on additional language and teaching?

Additional language learning and teaching in the intermediate phase (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does subtractive language acquisition involve?

Replacing the home language with a new language. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for teachers to acknowledge and support the learner's first language?

A strong foundation in the first language boosts the acquisition of a second language. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Cummins' Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) theory, how are the home language and the additional language related?

There are shared proficiencies and transferable knowledge between languages. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what context is English considered the primary language of instruction for many schools?

In South Africa, where many learners are English First Additional Language learners (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of bilingual or multilingual language acquisition?

A child whose parents speak different languages acquiring both naturally. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers ensure learners get in the course of learning an additional language?

Opportunities to listen, speak, read and write in the additional language with appropriate materials. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Additional Language and Teaching

The module focuses on additional language and teaching, particularly for learners in the intermediate phase.
Learners should reflect on their experiences with additional languages, considering when, why they started learning, their needs, and learning goals.
Teachers must provide opportunities for learners to listen, speak, read, and write in the additional language, using appropriate materials and tasks that match their understanding level.

Additional Language Acquisition in CAPS

CAPS defines an additional language as a language, other than the learner's mother tongue, used for specific communicative functions, like the language of learning and teaching.
In South Africa, English is a primary language of instruction in many schools, with a high percentage of learners studying it as their first additional language.
South Africa is multilingual, with 11 official languages and 15 other commonly spoken languages.

Bilingual and Multilingual Language Acquisition

Bilingualism or multilingualism happens when a child learns two or more languages simultaneously.
This can occur when children's parents speak different languages, leading to natural acquisition of both languages.

Additive vs. Subtractive Language Acquisition

Additive language acquisition adds a first additional language to a learner's existing home language.
Subtractive language acquisition replaces the home language with the first additional language, which is discouraged in education.

First Language Role in Second Language Acquisition

Supporting the learner's first language is crucial for successful second language acquisition. A strong foundation in the home language is essential.
Neglecting the learner's first language hinders language development and second language learning.

Cummins' Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) Theory

The CUP theory links the home language and the first additional language, suggesting second language learning is influenced by the first language's structures and rules.
The theory highlights shared proficiencies and transferable knowledge between languages. This encourages teachers to link the learner's home language to the target language.

Interactionist Theory of Second Language Acquisition

This theory emphasizes interaction, comprehensible input, and comprehensible output for language development.
Interaction: Learners acquire language through meaningful conversations, interactions, and negotiation of meaning.
Comprehensible Input: Learners need understandable language, often through modified interactions designed to match their level.
Comprehensible Output: Learners need opportunities to produce language (speak, write) to solidify understanding and gain confidence.

Importance of Interaction, Input, and Output

The Interactionist theory emphasizes the crucial role of interaction, input, and output in language acquisition.
Teachers should foster a classroom environment where learners regularly interact, receive comprehensible input, and produce output through language use.

Teaching Strategies for First Additional Language Learners

Move beyond traditional methods to create interactive learning environments that encourage discussions, group work, and active learner participation.
Real-world contexts, repetition, and revision are key for language development.
Prioritize engaging strategies like videos, role plays, and games to integrate the language into meaningful and relatable activities.
Encourage and reward learners, acknowledging their progress and creating a supportive learning atmosphere.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles of teaching additional languages, focusing on the intermediate phase learners. It examines aspects of language acquisition as per CAPS guidelines and encourages reflection on personal language learning experiences. Participants will assess teaching strategies to enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in an additional language.