Class 12 Optional English Note || Unit 2 Issues and Aspects of Language

Unit- 2

Issues and Aspects of Language

Teaching a second language in a non-native context can present a number of challenges for both teachers and learners. Some of the key issues that teachers may encounter include:

a. Limited exposure to the target language outside the classroom

b. Cultural differences that can affect motivation and learning styles

c. Difficulty with grammar, syntax, and vocabulary acquisition

d. Pronunciation challenges due to differences in sounds and phonetics

e. Shortage of qualified language teachers in some non-native contexts

f. Challenges in assessing language proficiency and achievement in non-native contexts

Language Pedagogy

Language pedagogy is the study of how knowledge, skills and aspects of language are imparted in an educational context. It is considered as the act of teaching language, and learning languages. Language pedagogy involves developing language proficiency in learners, which includes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Teaching of Language and about language

Teaching of language refers to the instruction of a specific language. The primary focus of teaching of language is to develop language proficiency in learners, which includes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The emphasis is on helping students acquire the ability to communicate in a foreign language in various contexts, such as social, academic, and professional settings.

Teaching about language, on the other hand, focuses on the study of language as a system. This approach involves teaching students about the structure, grammar, syntax, and semantics of language. The emphasis is on developing a deeper understanding of how language works and how it can be used effectively. Teaching about language may also involve the study of language history, dialects, and regional variations.

Teaching of Content or Skills

Teaching of content refers to the instruction of specific knowledge or subject matter, such as history, science, or mathematics. The primary focus of teaching of content is to provide students with an understanding of specific concepts, theories, and principles related to a particular subject.

Teaching of skills, on the other hand, refers to the instruction of specific skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, or collaboration. The focus of teaching of skills is to help students develop the ability to apply specific skills in a variety of contexts and situations.

While both teaching of content and teaching of skills are important in education, there is often a need to strike a balance between the two. For example, teaching of content may provide students with a foundation of knowledge, but teaching of skills may be necessary for them to apply that knowledge effectively in real-world situations. In many cases, teaching of skills may also require a certain level of content knowledge as a foundation.

Major Shift in language pedagogy

a. Learner autonomy

b. Cooperate learning

c. Curricular integration

d. Focus on meaning

e. Addressing diversity

f. Developing thinking skills

g. Regular or alternative assessment

h. Teachers as co-learners

Different methods, Procedures and Approaches

1. Grammar Translation Method

The Grammar translation method was called the classical method at one time since it was first used in the teaching of the classical languages, Latin and Greece. It was used for the purpose of helping students read and appreciate foreign language literature. As per the GT method, the goal of learning is to be able to translate each language into the other. More attention is given in reading and writing and little attention is given to speaking and listening. It is important for students to learn about the form of the target language. Their mother tongue is the medium of instruction. It is popular among the traditional teachers in Nepal.

2. Direct Method

The direct method came as a reaction to the GT method. It has one basic rule, no translation is allowed. This method focused on the fact that only target language should be used in classroom, and use of L1 should be avoided.

3. Audiolingual Method

Audiolingual method was first used in in the USA in army education. It was popular from 1940s-1970s. It relied heavily on drills to from the habits and on avoidance of error. It makes use of the techniques of drilling, repetition and imitation. Critics of this method blame this method ignores student's creativity.

4. Communicative Approach

Communicative approach was developed in Britain. The main objective of this approach is to develop communicative competence in the learners. It focuses on interaction and communicative activities in the language class. It helps the learners to develop both fluency and accuracy.

5. Natural Approach

The Natural Approach is a language teaching method developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell in the 1980s. Here are the main features of this method:

a. The focus is on communication and meaning, rather than on form and accuracy.

b. Language is acquired through exposure to meaningful and comprehensible input in the target language.

c. Instruction is conducted in the target language, with the use of the learner's native language for clarification as needed.

d. Speaking and listening are emphasized, with reading and writing introduced later.

e. Vocabulary and grammar are taught implicitly, rather than explicitly, through exposure to natural language use.

f. Error correction is minimal and not the primary focus of instruction.

g. Learners are encouraged to take risks and communicate in the target language without fear of making mistakes.

h. The method emphasizes the importance of creating a low-anxiety and supportive learning environment.

English Language Teaching situation in Nepal

English language teaching has become increasingly important in Nepal due to the growing demand for English proficiency in the global economy. Here are some key points about the English language teaching situation in Nepal:

a. English is the primary foreign language taught in schools and universities.

b. English language teaching is mandatory from the primary level onwards.

c. There is a shortage of qualified English language teachers, particularly in rural areas.

d. Many teachers lack training and resources to teach English effectively.

e. The quality of English language education varies greatly depending on the school or institution.

f. English language proficiency is considered important for job opportunities and higher education.

g. There is a growing demand for English language instruction outside of the formal education system, including private language schools and tutoring.

h. The Nepali government has implemented policies to improve English language education, including teacher training and curriculum development.

Multilingualism

Multilingualism refers to the situation in which an individual or community use and understand multiple languages. It is a common phenomenon in many parts of the world, where people often speak more than one language due to historical, cultural, or geographical reasons.

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of multiple cultures within a society or community. It is characterized by the promotion of equality and respect for all cultural groups.

How can multiculturalism and multilingualism be both problems and resources in language learning?

Multiculturalism and multilingualism can present both challenges and opportunities for language learners. Language learners may experience cultural and linguistic barriers that can hinder their ability to communicate effectively with speakers from different backgrounds. The presence of multiple languages can lead to confusion and difficulty in choosing which language to use in certain situations.

Exposure to different languages and cultures can expand learners' perspectives and enrich their understanding of the world. Multiculturalism and multilingualism can provide learners with opportunities to practise their language skills with native speakers and to learn about the culture and customs of the language they are learning. Exposure to multiple languages can facilitate the acquisition of new languages, as learners may already possess certain language learning strategies and cross-linguistic knowledge that can be transferred to the new language. Multilingualism can also be beneficial for learners' personal and professional development, as it can enhance their communication skills and cultural competence.

Language rights

Language rights refer to the recognition and protection of an individual's right to use, maintain, and develop their own language. This includes the right to use one's language in various domains, such as education, government services, the media, and public life, as well as the right to preserve and transmit one's language to future generations.

Mother tongue education

Mother tongue education means the provision of education in a child's first language, or the language that they use most frequently at home and in their community. This approach to education is based on the idea that children learn best when they are taught in a language they understand and are familiar with.

Mother tongue education is particularly important for children from linguistically diverse backgrounds, as it helps them to maintain and develop their language and cultural identity, enabling them to learn and succeed in other languages.

There are some key roles that mother tongue education can play:

a. Teaching in a child's first language helps them do well in school and get good grades.

b. When children learn in their own language, they feel more engaged and interested in class activities.

c. Learning in their mother tongue helps children understand and connect with their social and cultural surroundings.

d. Teaching in a child's first language can help raise the status of their ethnic group in society.

e. When children learn in a language they know, they feel more motivated to go to school and participate in learning.

Requirements to impart mother tongue education in multilingual community

a. Understanding the language needs of the community.

b. Developing language policies and curriculum

c. Qualified teachers

d. Access to quality language learning materials

e. Support from parents and the community

f. Government support

Language Politics

Language is closely related to politics because language is a powerful tool that can be used to influence people's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Language is not just a means of communication, but also a means of persuasion, negotiation, and social control. Language planning, policies and strategies are all influenced by economic and political power.

Translation

Translation is the process of converting written or spoken language from one language (the source language) into another language (the target language), while preserving the meaning, tone, and style of the original text as much as possible. Translation involves transferring the meaning of words, phrases, sentences, and ideas from one language to another, while taking into account the cultural and linguistic context of both languages.

Features of a good translation:

a. The translation should accurately convey the meaning of the original text.

b. It should be easy to understand.

c. It should consider cultural context.

d. It should convey the tone of the original text.

e. It should maintain the style of the original text.

f. It should be natural and fluent in the target language.

g. It should be consistent throughout the text.

Source and Target Language

Source language refers to the original language of a text that needs to be translated into another language. Target language refers to the language into which the text will be translated. In other words, the source language is the language that the text is originally written in, while the target language is the language into which the text will be translated.

Classification of Translation

a. Literal translation

This method involves translating word for word, without taking into account the context or cultural differences between the source and target language.

b. Free translation

This method involves conveying the meaning of the text rather than translating it word for word. This allows the translator to take into account the context and cultural differences between the source and target language.

c. Literary translation

Literary translation refers to the translation of literary works such as novels, poems, plays, and short stories. The primary goal of literary translation is to convey the beauty, emotion, and cultural context of the original work in a different language.

How does literal translation differ from free translation?

Literal translation:

a. Translates each word and phrase from the source language directly into the target language.

b. Focuses on maintaining the grammatical structure of the original text.

c. May not take into account the context or cultural nuances of the source language.

d. Can result in a translation that is technically correct but may not accurately convey the intended meaning of the original text.

e. Can be useful when precise technical or legal language needs to be translated accurately.

Free translation:

a. Focuses on conveying the meaning and intent of the source language text.

b. May adjust grammar, syntax, and vocabulary to accurately convey the intended meaning in the target language.

c. Takes into account the context and cultural nuances of the source language.

d. Can result in a translation that accurately conveys the intended meaning of the original text.

e. Can be useful while translating creative or literary works.

Translation Methods and Procedures

a. Translating each word and phrase of the original text as closely as possible.

b. Focusing on conveying the meaning and intent of the original text, taking liberties with the wording or structure if necessary.

c. Translating the original text's meaning into a natural and idiomatic form in the target language.

d. Translating a text in a way that captures the cultural nuances and context of the original text.

e. Using computer software to automatically translate text from one language to another.

f. Multiple translators working together to translate a text.