Carrie Rice

Review-What did I learn?

            The English language is complicated, and amazing! I believe this sums up what I learned from the reading this week. There is more to the English language than I had ever contemplated. This reading covered a small snip-it of that complexity.

            In Essential Linguistics there are three factors to take into account when evaluating and comparing the two common views of learning a language (the acquisition view and a learning view.) The first is to understand that phonemes in the English language occur in varying forms called allophones. Secondly, we must recognize that different dialects will use different phonemes from one another. And, finally, phonemes vary among different languages.  When we take into account these three factors, we gain understanding into the complexity that is language learning, as well as learn what may be potential difficulties to those acquiring a second language.

            Phonemes, phones, and allophones, oh my! It was interesting to read how each one of these things contributes to the English language. While reading the sections pertaining to phonemes, phones, and allophones I created a graphic organizer to help my brain dissect and organize the information, while identifying the role of each item. To summarize my reading, I learned that phonemes, of which there are 39, change depending on their position and surroundings, and they assimilate to nearby sounds. Phonemes are made up of phones, and all the phones that make up a phoneme are allophones.  I enjoyed learning about each one, complicated and detailed as they are to read about, and seeing the “method to the madness” that is the English language.

            Finally, I learned that English Learners benefit from learning language in the written and oral form when done through content learning. When the language learning is focused on the structure of a language, it becomes more difficult to the learner.

Reflect- What did it mean to you?

            During this reading, I was amazed once again how complicated the English language is! Although it was good to see and discover the various components and building blocks of our language, I would like to see the make-up of the English language compared with that of another language.  For example, how many phonemes do other languages have? Is it comparable to the amount in English? In addition, I would like to investigate the relationship of letters to their sounds in other languages, just like the /t/ in English has numerous variations.

            For a very brief time in high school, I took Spanish. It was a very basic course; however, I could identify with the statement in the chapter that content learning is an easier approach to learning the oral and written component of second language as compared to learning the structure of a language. I have also had the advice given to me many times that to learn a language, being immersed into it is the best way. I think that also shows that the interaction with content, whether it be a subject in school, or everyday life, is easier than learning the make-up and structure of a language. This will be something I keep in mind as I work with English learners in the future.

Refine- How will I use this information with my students?

            One activity that I have implemented with my fourth graders, after our class last week, was making a “Word Forms” bulletin board in their classroom. After sharing the idea with their teacher, we decided that it would be a great way to integrate fourth grade’s word work, content vocabulary, and language arts standards in a visual and interactive way for the students to learn. Although the bulletin board has only been up for about a week in the classroom, I see it being a benefit for all students. Also, I like that the students can show ownership of the board, and contribute words they have identified that may take different forms.

            Being reminded that studying the structure of a language, even for a native speaker, can be difficult, has encouraged me to take extra time with my students when working with them on their writing with integrated grammar practice. As of now, I do not have a specific strategy to help, and not frustrate, this process; however, I will be looking up activities in this area. Furthermore, just the reminder to myself that the English language is quite complicated has made me appreciate and be more considerate to their learning process.

 

Freeman, D. E., & Freeman, Y.S. (2004).  Essential linguistics, What You Need to Know to Teach Reading, ESL, Spelling, Phonics, and Grammar.  Heinemann Educational Books.