Language Information

Second Language Competence Beneficial but often Misunderstood


Second language learning has associated with it many types of benefits. Among them include: social, economic, intellectual and linguistic. Children who engage in second language learning typically outperform their peers in the area of vocabulary development as well as intellectual development. As important as learning a second language is, learners can be viewed as experiencing difficulties with language development when in reality they are displaying linguistic differences.

There is often a period of time when a second language learner is viewed to not speak much, this is due to their processing information in the new language and has been termed as the silent period. Additionally, speaking with an "accent" is a normal part of second language learning because the person is using the sounding system of the first language while speaking the new one. Often, help is required so that the person can enjoy positive communication interactions with others in the second language.

Children who come from homes where English is not the primary language also are at risk within the educational system of being labeled as special and deficient when in reality they have not acquired enough English to be able to succeed in school. Specialized support is often needed for children like these and is not always provided by school districts. The topic of second language acquisition is one that needs to be better understood and supported in our social, educational and business communities.

Clearly, this help is available to those who seek it out. When doing so, please make sure the professional you choose has a background in second language learning and has access to research and experience in best practices relevant to providing language support to English language learners. This can make the difference between a child receiving the help they need when they need it or being referred to a restrictive setting like special education. For accent training, it is important to look for a professional with a background in articulation, sound systems, and second language learning which will enable them best to understand your situation and tailor a program that will suit your needs.

Deborah Chitester MS CCC SLP is a bilingual Speech Language Pathologist who has extensive expertise with second language learners and provides accent training services as well. Her practice is Second Language Literacy and Learning Connection, LLC. She is working on a book and a tutorial to be used by teachers in schools so as to minimize the amount of second language children being referred to special education due to the presence of second language differences. She also provides supports and education to parents in order that they learn valid information concerning how to raise bilingual children.Please see our website http://www.slllc.org


MORE RESOURCES:

Language Line(R) University Announces New Certified Medical ...
MarketWatch - 10 hours ago
Language Line University, the globally recognized interpreter testing, training and certification division of Language Line Services, will be the first ...


Research and Markets: Language Schools in the US Highlights How ...
MarketWatch - 11 hours ago
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in offering foreign language instruction (including sign language). This report covers the scope, ...


mig33 Surpasses 18 Million Registered Mobile Users Worldwide, Adds ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
Users can also personalize their mig33 experience by applying different themes and, beginning today, they can communicate in their preferred language, ...


AFP

Welsh language makes EU debut
AFP - Nov 20, 2008
BRUSSELS (AFP) — The Welsh language, spoken by 600000 people, got a cultural boost on Thursday when it was heard, and interpreted, at the European Union for ...
EU welcomes Welsh as minority language International Herald Tribune
Calls for EU parliament to step-up use of Welsh language TheParliament.com
EU recognizes Welsh as a minority language Houston Chronicle
WalesOnline - Tivyside Advertiser
all 80 news articles


Council tables fire district pact over language change
The Wenatchee World Online, WA - 7 hours ago
City Attorney Steve Smith told the council the “ensure” language is problematic and he “wouldn’t recommend the original contract because of that. ...


Piscataway teachers earn certifications to teach English as a ...
Scarlet Scuttlebutt, NJ - 22 hours ago
The 26 prekindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade teachers are taking classes to earn their certifications in teaching English as a Second Language. ...


Phase three of the Michael Addison capital murder trial. Warning ...
WMUR, NH - 10 hours ago
MANCHESTER, NH -- The third phase of the Michael Addison capital murder trial is under way, with defense attorneys telling jurors why they should not put ...


Stafford’s stark -- some might call ‘prophetic’ -- language
NCR Conversation Cafe, MO - 23 hours ago
Over the years, Stafford has used fairly stark language -- some might call it "prophetic speech" -- to express this conviction in ways that have challenged ...


New Program Makes Learning a Language Faster and More Convenient ...
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
Now, Macmillan Audio has launched a convenient and effective new foreign language series, BEHIND THE WHEEL(R), with three of the most popular languages for ...


"Exciting new language" captures imaginations
Asbury Park Press, NJ - 18 hours ago
Though there are only a few students studying it, they are dedicated to learning as much as they can about the language and culture. Taught by Cynthia Ni, ...

Language - Google News

home | site map
© 2006