ERIC Number: EJ861999
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-May
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0965-8416
EISSN: N/A
Metalinguistic Awareness and Evidence of Cross-Linguistic Influence among Bilingual Learners in Irish Primary Schools
Dillon, Anna M.
Language Awareness, v18 n2 p182-197 May 2009
During an investigation into the L2 proficiency and L3 acquisition skills of 10- to 12-year-olds in Irish primary schools, questions of metalinguistic awareness and cross-linguistic influence were raised. Do children who are more balanced bilinguals develop a higher sense of metalinguistic awareness than less balanced bilinguals? What evidence of cross-linguistic influence do those children display? Which language, or language teacher type, is most suitable in an Irish context for the development of these language learning skills? Following on from a primarily quantitative survey of all schools participating in the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative in Ireland, and language testing of a smaller group of children, the evidence shows that more balanced bilinguals display a higher level of general proficiency and are more likely to independently display higher levels of metalinguistic awareness and evidence of cross-linguistic transfer. An examination of the features and characteristics of language and a summary of the main features of metalinguistic awareness and cross-linguistic influence provide a background for the results presented. The schools involved in the study include both early total immersion schools (Gaelscoileanna), where Irish is the language of instruction, and English-medium schools, where Irish is taught as L2. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Metalinguistics, Language of Instruction, Language Tests, Foreign Countries, Modern Languages, Irish, Bilingualism, Elementary School Students, Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Statistical Analysis, Transfer of Training, Immersion Programs, English, Second Language Instruction
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A