ELT Basics: A Beginner's Guide to English Language Teaching PDF
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Jan Edwards Dormer
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This document is a beginner's guide to English Language Teaching, focusing on various elements such as language as a system, communication, and cultural aspects. It covers different topics, for example minimal pair exercises, and discussing complex concepts in a first language before translating to English.
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ELT Basics: A Beginner's Guide to English Language Teaching By Jan Edwards Dormer Created by Saeid Tavakoli 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 1 Language as a System Language as a System:...
ELT Basics: A Beginner's Guide to English Language Teaching By Jan Edwards Dormer Created by Saeid Tavakoli 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 1 Language as a System Language as a System: Understanding phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Example: Minimal pair exercises (e.g., ship vs. sheep). 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 2 Language as a system refers to the structured set of rules and conventions that govern how words and sentences are formed and understood. This includes phonology (sound systems), morphology Language as a (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (language use in system context). For example, understanding the phonological system helps teachers explain why certain sounds are pronounced differently in different words (e.g., the ‘a’ in “cat” vs. “cake”). By breaking down these components, teachers can help students grasp the complexities of language and improve their overall proficiency. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 3 Language as Communication Language as Communication: Using language in real-life contexts. Example: Role-playing activities like ordering food in a restaurant. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 4 Language as communication Language as communication emphasizes the functional use of language in real-life situations. It focuses on how language is used to convey meaning and achieve specific purposes, such as requesting information, expressing emotions, or persuading others. For instance, a teacher might use role-playing activities to simulate real-world scenarios like ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions. This approach helps students practice using language in context, making their learning more relevant and practical 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 5 Correct Language Correct Language: Using language according to norms. Example: Formal emails in business English vs. idiomatic expressions in conversational English. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 6 Correct language Correct language involves understanding and using language according to established norms and standards. This can vary depending on the context, such as formal vs. informal settings. For example, in a business English class, students might learn to write formal emails with appropriate salutations and sign-offs. In contrast, a conversational English class might focus on using idiomatic expressions and slang. Teaching correct language helps students communicate effectively and appropriately in different situations 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 7 Nativeness and the Problem with the Term 'Native Speaker' Nativeness: Challenging the ideal of native speakers. Example: Highlighting successful non-native English speakers. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 8 The concept of nativeness and the term “native speaker” are often debated in language teaching. The book challenges the idea that native speakers are the ideal language models, highlighting the diversity and proficiency of non-native speakers. nativeness For example, many successful English teachers are non-native speakers who bring valuable insights and experiences to their teaching. This perspective encourages a more inclusive approach, recognizing the legitimacy and contributions of all language users. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 9 Translanguaging and Code-Switching Translanguaging: Using multiple languages. Example: Discussing complex concepts in L1 before translating to English. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 10 Translanguaging Translanguaging and code-switching refer to the practice of using multiple languages within a conversation or learning context. Translanguaging involves blending languages to enhance understanding and communication, while code-switching refers to switching between languages based on context or need. For instance, a bilingual classroom might encourage students to use their first language to discuss complex concepts before translating them into English. This approach leverages students’ full linguistic repertoire, promoting deeper learning and engagement. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 11 Language Domains: Receptive (listening, reading) and productive (speaking, writing) Language skills. Example: Listening to a Domains: podcast followed by a discussion. Receptive and Productive Skills 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 12 Language Domains: Language skills are divided into receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) domains. Receptive and Productive Skills Receptive skills involve understanding and interpreting language, while productive skills involve creating and expressing language. For example, a balanced lesson might include listening to a podcast (receptive) followed by a group discussion (productive). By integrating both domains, teachers can help students develop a well-rounded language proficiency. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 13 Dimensions of Language: Form, Meaning, and Use Dimensions of Language: Form, meaning, and use. Example: Teaching past tense with form (-ed), meaning (past actions), and use (narrating events). 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 14 Dimensions of Language: Form, Meaning, and Use Language learning involves understanding the form (structure), meaning (semantics), and use (pragmatics) of language. For example, teaching the past tense might involve explaining the form (adding -ed), the meaning (actions completed in the past), and the use (narrating past events). This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only know how to construct sentences but also understand their meaning and appropriate usage in different contexts. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 15 Social and Academic or Professional English 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 16 Social and Academic or Professional English Different contexts require different types of English, such as social English for everyday interactions and academic or professional English for specific purposes. For example, teaching academic writing skills for university students might focus on structuring essays and using formal language, while teaching conversational skills for travelers might emphasize common phrases and informal expressions. Understanding these distinctions helps teachers tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of their students. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 17 Language and Culture Language and Culture: Teaching cultural norms and values. Example: Lessons about holidays and traditions in English-speaking countries. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 18 Language and Culture Language learning is deeply For example, including This helps students not only connected to cultural cultural lessons about learn the language but also understanding. Teaching holidays, traditions, and social understand the cultural language involves teaching the norms in English-speaking nuances that influence cultural norms and values countries can provide context communication. associated with it. for language use. 10/7/2024 Do not copy my content Created by Saeid Tavakoli 19