ERIC Number: EJ1140489
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0782
EISSN: N/A
Teachers' Views on Recognising and Using Home Languages in Predominantly Monolingual Primary Schools
Bailey, Elizabeth G.; Marsden, Emma
Language and Education, v31 n4 p283-306 2017
The use of home languages has previously been advocated in highly multilingual UK classrooms. However, drawing on the home languages and cultural insight of children who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) may also have important social and academic benefits in contexts where monolingualism is the norm. Conducted in a small local authority in England with low numbers of children who use EAL, this study investigated (1) primary teachers' views on implementing language awareness activities, using pupils who speak languages other than English as a linguistic and cultural resource, via interviews and questionnaires and (2) the amount and nature of references made to home languages during classroom observations. Although the teachers did not refer to or use home languages on a day-to-day basis, they generally showed willingness to consider implementing certain activities which incorporated them. However, largely, the teachers had not previously contemplated such practice. They did not reference any academic benefits to promoting linguistic diversity but were more aware of the potential social benefits. They also lacked confidence in particular areas (e.g. linguistic knowledge) as well as showing a strong awareness of issues such as the importance of English.
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Multilingualism, Native Language, Language Usage, Language Attitudes, Elementary School Teachers, Elementary School Students, Teaching Methods, Foreign Countries, Interviews, Observation, Questionnaires, Metalinguistics, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A