310x Filetype PDF File size 1.37 MB Source: www.uou.ac.in
Pedagogy of Teaching English(A5II) B.Ed.Spl.Ed. II Sem
UNIT 1: PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
TEACHING
Structure
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Objectives
1.3 Nature of Language
1.3.1 Functions of Language
1.3.2 Teaching English- A challenging task
1.4 Importance of Teaching English Language
1.5 Different Principles of Language Teaching
1.5.1 Principles of Interactive Language Teaching
1.5.2 General Principles of Teaching English
1.5.3 Psychological Principles of Teaching English
1.6 Lets Us Sum Up
1.7 Answers of practice questions
1.8 Suggested Readings and References
1.9 Essay type questions
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Language is nothing but a source of communication, a medium of conveying our
ideas to one another. Language is a set of human habits, the purpose of which is
to give expression to thoughts and feelings. In this era of globalization,
Information and Communication Technology, English has a special and
predominant role in the communicative sphere of the world. It has a special
identity in the field of education. While teaching, a teacher has to keep in mind
उत्तराखड मक्त विश्वविद्यालय 1
ं ु
Pedagogy of Teaching English(A5II) B.Ed.Spl.Ed. II Sem
the aims and objectives of the subject. Teaching requires certain directions, after
all success of teaching depends upon its aims and objectives.
In Teaching of English, P.C. Wren writes (2015), “In the teaching of class
subjects, the actual work of mind training is being performed. In the early lessons
of English, the weapons are being forged, the tools are being made with which
the work of mind training is to be performed.”
Language comes through discovery. In Language Teaching, this refers to the
mode or manner in which language is used. Language has been considered man’s
most remarkable achievement. It is the essential research resource for language
professionals providing a rich and expert overview of research in the field of
second language teaching and learning. Therefore, present unit will through light
upon different principles of teaching English in school curriculum.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
After reading this unit, learner will be able to:
Define basic language concepts;
Acquire the knowledge of objectives of teaching language;
Elucidate functions of Language;
Analyze the importance of English Language Teaching;
Describe the various Principles of Language Teaching;
Have knowledge about various factors contributing to student’s learning; and
Analyze the enthusiastic and reflective learning of students through contact with
challenging and text level knowledge.
1.3 NATURE OF LANGUAGE
Language is the most important phenomenon in the world. From birth to death,
all our activities are regulated by language. The human knowledge and culture is
उत्तराखड मक्त विश्वविद्यालय 2
ंु
Pedagogy of Teaching English(A5II) B.Ed.Spl.Ed. II Sem
stored and transmitted in language. Thinking is only possible through language.
In our dreams, we make use of language. Language dominates every aspect of
human life. In fact, it is a yardstick to separate us from other beings. Language
is a mean of communication. With the help of language, we can express our
thoughts and feelings to others. Without language, society would be
impossible. Language is an exemplary artifact that swept across the globe to
witness development of society in terms of civilization, culture and technology.
Language entangles the apprehensions of communication and commemorated
links amongst people of different groups, places and ages by filling gaps. The
language as a part of mother tongue spoken in a particular area and a particular
community might not a difficult task to learn, to understand and to interpret.
Mother tongue is not an obligatory issue to acquire. It is an acquisition since the
entire system supports as an individual grows.
1.3.1 Functions of language
Language serves many functions which enhances the communication process. It
conveys meanings, intentions,motives, feelings and beliefs. Language is
symbolic, in that speech sounds and utterances stand for or represent various
objects, ideas and events. It is means of social contact and is the only means to
prevent isolation from the world. Language is primarily vocal made up of vocal
sounds only, produced by a physiological articulatory mechanism in the human
body. A child learns to speak first; writing comes much later, also during
lifetime, a man speaks much more than he writes. Language is a form of social
behavior, a child learns to speak the language of the community in which he or
she is placed, he or she picks up the language of the social set-up in he or she
grows up.
Following functions of language are as follows-
1. Language is learnt: Learning of language is not an automatic process.
Of course, it is a behavior but it is not type of behavior like walking and crawling
that comes to child in natural way. Language by imitation and practice. Language
is not possible without effort.
उत्तराखड मक्त विश्वविद्यालय 3
ंु
Pedagogy of Teaching English(A5II) B.Ed.Spl.Ed. II Sem
2. Language is related to the culture of society: Every language is
related to culture of society to which it belongs. The culture of the people
naturally influences the language. Every language is the product of society. We
cannot separate language from the culture in which that language exists. It has
meaning only in relation to that society and culture.
3. Language is species specific: Language is species specific. Only
human beings have got the gift of language. Of course, the other species do
communicate but only human beings can make use of language.
4. Language is species uniformed: Language is species uniformed. All
human children are capable of acquiring any language natively if they are
provided the right kind of environment.
5. Language is a system: Each language is a unique system. The system
of language consists of sounds, structures and vocabulary. A person who wants
to learn a new language will have to learn new sounds, new structures and new
vocabulary. The sound system of language differs from language to language
depending upon the culture to which a language belongs. Each language has its
own system of vocabulary. Thus, each language is systematic.
6. Language is a system of systems: Each language is a system of
systems. There are phonological and grammatical systems in all languages.
There are several sub systems with in a language. The phonology of a language
forms its own system as the various sounds function in a systematic way.
7. Language is a system of symbols: Each language works through
symbols. Different words used in a language are the symbols. They stand for
certain things. The language will function well if its symbols are known both to
the speaker and the person for whom they are being used.
For example, the world cup has three sounds (K, A, P) It is a symbol of English
because a meaning is attached to it. But if we take the same three sounds like, K,
A, P they do form cup, but that is not a symbol of English language as no meaning
is attached to it.
उत्तराखड मक्त विश्वविद्यालय 4
ंु
no reviews yet
Please Login to review.