Language Information



LifeHealthInsurance.ca

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:

Padres breaking down language barrier
MLB.com
This is not an uncommon occurrence for Miley, who is in his fourth year of teaching the English language to the Padres' Latino players, an experience he ...

and more »


Los Angeles Times

WORD OF MOUTH: Remaking foreign-language films in English
Los Angeles Times
Foreign-language films don't tend to do well at the US box office, but Hollywood is happy to remake them. 'THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO': Noomi Rapace ...
The Girl With the Dragon TattooEntertainment Weekly
'Dragon Tattoo' Has Designs On US AudiencesNPR

all 28 news articles »


9&10 News

Yemen-American imam calls for US Muslim revolt
The Associated Press
Parts of the English-language message were aired on CNN. Awlaki was known to be in touch with the American Muslim Army major accused of killing 13 people in ...
Purported al-Awlaki message calls for jihad against USCNN (blog)
Anwar Al Awlaki's Latest Message of HateAmerican Muslim

all 161 news articles »


Boston Globe

A plain language summary of the current health care reform bill
Examiner.com
Here is a plain language summary of the major provisions of the health care reform bill. Probably not. If you already have employer-provided insurance you ...
US Health Care Debate Begins After CBO Est, Final LanguageMarket News International
Health Reform Inches CloserRoll Call (subscription)
Health care overhaul to get fresh look from Rep. Anh 'Joseph' Cao, at request ...NOLA.com
BusinessWeek -Fresno Bee -Medical News Today (press release)
all 5,478 news articles »


Health care vote may hinge on bill's language
Lynchburg News and Advance
Perriello still hadn't decided whether he would vote for the health care bill because its “reconciliation language” still was being written Wednesday, ...

and more »


Catholic opposition to health bill fades
Boston Globe
That language, crafted with the input of politically powerful bishops, ensured the narrow passage of the health care bill in the House. ...
UPDATED: Perriello okays Senate bill abortion language, still undecided on ...Washington Post (blog)
Stupak Ally in House Approves Senate Abortion RestrictionsNew York Times (blog)
Kildee OKs abortion provision, will support health billThe Detroit News
NPR (blog) -Roll Call (subscription) -LifeNews.com
all 1,181 news articles »


New York Times (blog)

Head of Arabic-Language School Resigns
New York Times
The principal of the city's only Arabic-language public school stepped down abruptly on Tuesday, just days after a federal commission ...
Judge: NYC Wronged Arabic-Language PrincipalClaimsJournal.com
Principal of Arabic Language School DepartsWNYC
Principal of Arabic-language school in NYC resignsWCAX
New York Post -NY1
all 29 news articles »


New York Times

On Language With Ben Zimmer
New York Times
He founded our On Language column in February 1979 and proceeded to write tens of thousands of words about phrases (fashionable and not), usages (proper and ...



Tampa Tribune

Hillsborough Commissioners approve ballot language for transit tax
Creative Loafing Tampa (blog)
By a 5-2 vote, Hillsborough County Commissioners have approved ballot language that will go before voters for a one-cent sales tax transit referendum in ...
After much debate, ballot wording for Hillsborough transit tax wins approvalTampabay.com

all 36 news articles »


Reuters

Democrat Meek criticizes Obama administration's 'undiplomatic language' to Israel
Palm Beach Post
... has turned into an unnecessary international dispute complicated by some undiplomatic language from US administration officials,” Meek said today. ...
The US 'condemnation' of Israel: Facts and perspective neededThe Hill
Cannon condemns Israel's new settlement planCBC.ca

all 6,890 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006