ERIC Number: ED236945
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 100
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Learning to Use a New Language: Language Functions and Use By First Grade Chinese-Americans. Final Report.
Guthrie, Larry F.
The language use and interactions of limited English proficient Chinese American first graders and their two teachers were analyzed. One teacher was bilingual; the other was not. The study consisted of three phases: identification of speech events, recording and analysis of speech acts during teacher-directed lessons, and followup of target students in second grade. The monolingual English teacher was found to differentially treat the students who were less English proficient, using less effective questioning strategies and less clear instructions. The bilingual teacher was consistent and used Chinese during English reading instruction for a variety of carefully chosen purposes. In regard to student language use, it was found that student language varied less when comparing their communication with the two teachers, as English proficiency increased. The students targeted for followup appeared to have no problem making the transition to second grade. (Author/RW)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
Sponsor: National Inst. of Education (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ARC Associates, Inc. Oakland, CA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Appendices marginally legible.