Teachers’ views on recognising and using home languages in predominantly monolingual primary schools

Bailey, Elizabeth and Marsden, Emma (2017) Teachers’ views on recognising and using home languages in predominantly monolingual primary schools. Language and Education, 31 (4). pp. 283-306. ISSN 1747-7581

Full content URL: http://doi.org/10.1080/09500782.2017.1295981

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Abstract

The use of home languages has previously been advocated in highly multilingual UK classrooms. However, drawing on the home languages and cultural insight of children who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) may also have important social and academic benefits in contexts where monolingualism is the norm.

Conducted in a small local authority in England with low numbers of children who use EAL, this study investigated (1) primary teachers’ views on implementing language awareness activities, using pupils who speak languages other than English as a linguistic and cultural resource, via interviews and questionnaires and (2) the amount and nature of references made to home languages during classroom observations. Although the teachers did not refer to or use home languages on a day-to-day basis, they generally showed willingness to consider implementing certain activities which incorporated them. However, largely, the teachers had not previously contemplated such practice. They did not reference any academic benefits to promoting linguistic diversity but were more aware of the potential social benefits. They also lacked confidence in particular areas (e.g. linguistic knowledge) as well as showing a strong awareness of issues such as the importance of English

Keywords:English as an Additional Language, Home languages, multilingualism, monolingualism, language attitudes, diversity education
Subjects:Q Linguistics, Classics and related subjects > Q110 Applied Linguistics
Q Linguistics, Classics and related subjects > Q140 Sociolinguistics
X Education > X320 Academic studies in Primary Education
Divisions:College of Social Science > School of Education
ID Code:31660
Deposited On:25 Jul 2018 13:54

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