Language Perspective and
Aims
Language Perspective
We recognise that language, our major means of thinking and
communicating, is fundamental to learning, underpinning and
permeating the whole curriculum. It is not only learning language but
also learning about language and through language. We should nurture
an appreciation of the richness of language and a love of literature.
While the four communication strands of listening, speaking,
writing, and reading can be observed separately, they are
interrelated and interactive, with learning in one strand supporting
learning in another. This is of particular relevance for
international schools, where every teacher is a language teacher, as
success in every subject area relies upon an understanding and
application of subject specific language.
Language does much more than promote cognitive growth:
We believe that:
- Mother tongue language development is crucial for maintaining
cultural identity and emotional stability.
- Acquisition of more than one language enriches personal growth
and helps facilitate international understanding.
- International schools have a special responsibility to
recognise and support each and every aspect of language
development.
Language Aims
- An understanding of the internal structures of language.
- An awareness of the complexities of language and meaning.
- An understanding of the reading process.
- An understanding that the effective use of language is an
essential life skill.
- An understanding that communicative competence comes before
emphasis on accuracy.
- An awareness of language as our major means of reflection.
- An awareness of circumstantial effects/changes (style,
audience, purpose, register).
- An awareness of the various influences on language.
- An awareness of the importance of literature as a way of
understanding one's self and others.
- An awareness of the importance of literature as a cultural
heritage.
- An awareness of the importance of literature as a
cross-curricular research tool.
- An awareness of differences/similarities in literature
(structure, purpose, cultural influence)
- An awareness of and respect for differences/similarities
between languages/dialects.
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