ERIC Number: EJ920904
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0300-4279
EISSN: N/A
Bringing Languages and Cultures into Contact: Why Lexical Phrases May Build Bridges between Native and Foreign/Second Languages in the Classroom, and between Native/Heritage and Other Cultures
Porto, Melina
Education 3-13, v39 n2 p171-185 2011
This paper explores the role of lexical phrases in language education in general (native language or L1; and second/foreign language or L2) and more specifically, in the education of English learners in US and European contexts as well as in other English-speaking countries worldwide. Even though this topic has been addressed by researchers and linguists for over 30 years now, it does not seem to be a prominent one among classroom teachers, teacher educators, reading specialists, and others directly involved in the practicalities of classroom life. I suggest here that lexical phrases can contribute to serving the interests of these learners in the early years, primary, middle and elementary schools. I argue that these phrases can serve not only their linguistic concerns, but also their literacy in general, identity, personal, and socio-cultural concerns while simultaneously attending those of native English-speaking children in these areas too. On this basis I propose that lexical phrases are an ideal unit for teaching children in linguistically and culturally diverse settings. I conclude the paper with a discussion of some pedagogic implications which are directly relevant to everyday classroom life. (Contains 2 notes.)
Descriptors: Speech Communication, Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Student Diversity, Cultural Influences, Language Usage, Lexicology, Language Acquisition, Native Speakers, Language Skills, Writing Skills, Oral Language, Competence
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A