Theories of Language

Learning and Teaching

Lecturer: Nguyen Dinh Thu (PhD)

Venue: R 207 (8:00 – 11:40)
1
1. Language teaching is teaching language

 A language is many things

 Language is a system

 Language is a habit

 Language is a set of conventions

 Language is a means of communication

 Language is a means to an end

Language is a natural activity

 English is not England

 English is not a syllabus

 English is not “my” English

 English is not an aesthetic experience

 A certain object is labeled with different name in different
languages

 Some languages are neutral, while others are gendered

 Word-for-word translation is discouraged

vocabulary and structures are WHAT

 pronunciation, stress and intonation are HOW

 functions refer to WHY somebody says in this way

but not in that way
Occurrence of a lot of words reader/listener needs to know

A text is written in complex rather than simple sentences

 A text is written in a particular style: genre

 non – standard/ unfamiliar accent

 density of new language or new ideas

 length of text, spoken or written

Questions and Comments

Thank you !