Linking Language Learning 3

Linking Language & Learning 3 Cultures & Communities: 

Linking Language & Learning 3 Cultures & Communities Fall 2006 Scott, Grenvicz, Schwab, Dessein

Series Overview : 

Series Overview This is the last of three power point presentations designed to make you think about second language learning. This presentation begins with guiding questions to engage you in the material. Discussion questions appear at the end of this presentation. You will write your ideas about these questions and turn them in to your teacher.

Series Overview : 

Series Overview In the first presentation we talked about the meaning of COMMUNICATION and what it means to be bilingual. In the second presentation we made COMPARISONS between first and second language acquisition, and asked you to use your second language to make CONNECTIONS to other areas of interest, such as the information about Genie. In this presentation we will explore what it means to become a L2 USER. We will show how learning French helps you gain knowledge and understanding of other CULTURES, and allows you to participate in multilingual COMMUNITIES around the world.

Guiding questions: 

Guiding questions Discuss the differences between following two goals for students studying French: 1) Students will become bilingual in French and English. 2) Students will use what they learn in French class to develop an understanding of other languages and cultures.

Becoming an “L2 user”: 

Becoming an “L2 user” “Becoming bilingual” is a difficult goal to achieve because there is no clear understanding of what the term means (think back to our conversation about what “bilingual” means). A more realistic goal for our language students is to become L2 users.

What is an L2 user?: 

What is an L2 user? An L2 user … uses a language other than L1 at any level for any purpose. exploits whatever linguistic resources she/he has for real-life purposes, such as reporting symptoms to a doctor, negotiating a contract, or reading a poem. stands between two languages (L1 and L2), even when apparently only using one. has the resources of two languages (L1 and L2) readily available whenever needed. Cook, V. 2002. Portraits of the L2 User. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters.

What can an L2 user do?: 

What can an L2 user do? An L2 user … uses his/her understanding of L1 and L2 in settings where the language and culture are unfamiliar. is sensitive to cultural similarities and differences. has a tolerance for ambiguity. is a member of the global community. Quoi? What?

Will studying FRENCH make you an L2 user?: 

Will studying FRENCH make you an L2 user? In 1999, French was the 11th most common first language in the world, with 77 million first language speakers and another 51 million second language speakers.

More facts about French: 

More facts about French There are 113 million people who speak French (as a native or adopted language) fluently and use it on a regular basis. There are 61 million people who live in a francophone country but do not speak French regularly. There are 100 to 110 million students of all ages who do not live in a francophone country, but have learned, or are learning French. French is the second most commonly-taught second language in the world (after English).

Who uses French?: 

Who uses French? Amnesty International European Union (EU) Interpol International Olympic Committee North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) Red Cross and Red Crescent United Nations (UN) World Health Organization (WHO) World Trade Organization (WTO)

In 2050 …: 

In 2050 … people aged 15-24 will speak the following languages (in millions): Chinese  166.0   Hindi/Urdu  73.7   Arabic  72.2   English  65.0   Spanish  62.8   Portuguese  32.5   Bengali  31.6   Russian  14.8   Japanese  11.3   Malay  10.5  

Being an L2 user in a multilingual world:: 

Being an L2 user in a multilingual world: Studying French will help you interact with people who speak Chinese, Arabic, or Bengali ! The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages recognizes that foreign language study sensitizes students to other languages and cultures, and prepares them to participate in our multilingual world. They developed the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century which outline learning goals to develop L2 users.

National Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century: 

National Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century The 5 Cs: Communication: communicate in languages other than English Cultures: gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures Connections: connect with other disciplines Comparisons: develop insight into the nature of language and culture Communities: participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world Specific learning goals are outlined for Chinese, Classical languages, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Statement of philosophy:: 

Statement of philosophy: Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. The United States must educate students who are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad. This imperative envisions a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language, modern or classical. People who come to school from non-English backgrounds should also have opportunities to develop further proficiencies in their first language.

Standard 1: Communication: 

Standard 1: Communication Communicate in Languages Other Than English Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.

Standard 2: Cultures: 

Standard 2: Cultures Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures Standard 2.1: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied. Standard 2.2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied.

Standard 3 - Connections: 

Standard 3 - Connections Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language. Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures.

Standard 4 - Comparisons: 

Standard 4 - Comparisons Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own. Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.

Standard 5: Communities: 

Standard 5: Communities Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home & Around the World Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting. Standard 5.2: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.

Final discussion questions…: 

Final discussion questions… Write your ideas about this question and turn them in to your teacher: Describe how your study of French language and culture makes you an L2 user. You might consider reviewing all three presentations as you formulate your answer. This Power Point presentation is available at: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/french_ital/faculty/scott