Leecy, Susan and group members - I know I am preaching to the choir when I say that reading is probably the most important aspect of learning a language, whether it is one's own language or a foreign language. We need to read: poetry, stories, song lyrics, articles, plays, novels, newspapers, etc., etc., etc.
I often tell EFL students that only by reading can they build their vocabulary relatively quickly and also learn English words in context to understand the nuances of meaning. There is no other way.
Reading is also essential to begin to understand the culture of the country or countries where the particular language is dominant.
I studied German and Latin at the same time, a long time ago, during the Space Race, when learning foreign languages like German was deemed very important. In the German class we read a lot of books and I still have my very first text. In the Latin class, we read texts, but not as diverse or interestng as the German texs. Needless to say I learned how to speak, read and write in German in the first year. But Latin? Mmmm ..... I dont think so! So....let's make sure our students have good books to read, whether hard copies or e-books, etc.
Comments
Paul, growing up in Brazil, when in high school (actually middle school here), I had to take English, French, and Latin. Portuguese was, of course, the native language of instruction that was also required as a course. Reading was a natural instructional vehicle, and in Latin, the grammar/translation method was THE way, of course, but I don't recommend it!
I wonder what would happen in our Adult Ed programs if students were encouraged to learn a foreign language. I bet any number of $ that our adults would start learning everything faster!
Along that line, I once implemented a grant that funded very rural Jr. Hight students along the U.S. Mexican border in El Paso to complete instruction in German, Portuguese, Tarahumara, Vietnamese, and Arabic in one year. The accepted students had to arrive at school one hour before regular classes to practice. They were offered no rewards! During the year, students were taken on tours of El Paso Community College where I taught, and shown around the campus.
Result? Across the board, students in that project improved their grades and participation in every other discipline! What a hoot. I was one of the instructors, who had to to get on the road by 5AM to get to those early classes across town. When I studied the outcomes, I was ecstatic that our expectations had been met. Learning another language opens new learning doors that affect our brains in wonderful ways!
What do others here think of offering foreign language instruction to those other than ELLs? Hmmm....
Leecy
Thanks, Leecy, you are a god role model. I wonder how many teachers study foreign languages, especially ESL teachers!!