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Language for Learning: Towards a language learning theory relevant for education

The importance of language in school and society.

L4L theory of language learning

Languages are always learned in specific socio-cultural contexts. Learners do not just learn “language,” they learn particular ways of using language in particular contexts. This is the case for multilingual and monolingual learners. 

Our L4L theory of language learning “integrates insights from ethnographic research on language and literacy (Heath, 1983; Levine, et al., 1996; Ochs, 1988), pragmatic development studies (Blum-Kulka, 2008; Ninio & Snow, 1996) and functional linguistics research (Berman & Ravid, 2009; Schleppegrell, 2004) to conceptualize language learning as inseparable from context…  Three key developmental implications emerge from these combined insights.  •    First, language development continues throughout adolescence and, under normal circumstances, language learning continues for as long as learners expand the language-mediated social contexts that they navigate.  •    Second, being a skilled language user in one social context does not guarantee linguistic dexterity in a different social context. Whereas speakers are enculturated at home into the language of face-to-face interaction, which typically prepares them well for colloquial conversations in their respective communities, many adolescents have encountered limited opportunities to learn school-relevant language practices and, consequently, academic language poses higher challenges for them (Cazden, 2002; Cummins, 2000; Heath, 2012). •    Third, language is a powerful socializer: by learning language, children also learn how to interact with others, how to comprehend, and how to learn in ways that are culturally shaped (Heath, 1983; Ochs, 1988).” (Uccelli, 2019; Uccelli, Phillips Galloway & Qin, 2020))

Extended talk supports the language of school literacy & learning

“In a socio-cultural pragmatics-based framework, language and literacy proficiencies are conceptualized as the result, to a large extent, of an individual’s history of participation in specific contexts and socio-cultural discourses” (Uccelli, 2019)

Publications

Uccelli, P., & Phillips Galloway, E. (2020). The Language for School Literacy: Widening the lens on language and reading relations during adolescence . In P. Afflerbach, P. Enciso, E. B. Moje, & N. K. Lesaux (Ed.) , Handbook of Reading Research (Vol. 5, pp. 155-179) . Routledge.

Uccelli, P. (2019). Learning the Language for School Literacy: Research Insights and a Vision for a Cross-Linguistic Research Program . In V. Grøver, P. Uccelli, M. Rowe, & E. E. Lieven (Ed.) , Learning through Language: Towards an Educationally Informed Theory of Language Learning (pp. 95–109) . Cambridge University Press.

Featured Publications

Snow, C. E., & Uccelli, P. (2009). The challenge of academic language . In D. R. Olson & N. Torrance (Ed.) , The Cambridge handbook of literacy (pp. 112-133) . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Uccelli, P., & Snow, C. (2008). A Research Agenda for Educational Linguistics . In The Handbook of Educational Linguistics (pp. 626-642) . John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Publisher's Version Abstract Summary This chapter contains section titled: The Main Streams of Work in Educational Linguistics What are the Desired Educational Outcomes? What do Teachers Need to Know about Language? How do We Foster the Desired Linguistic Outcomes for Students and Teachers? Conclusion

Languages in education

UNESCO believes everyone has the right to learn in their own language and that it is an important means to improving learning, learning outcomes and socio-emotional development. However, globally 40 % of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Cultural and linguistic diversity also play a key role in sustainable societies and help build peace, tolerance and respect for difference.  

What you need to know about languages in education

Key figures.

are spoken around the world today

cannot access education in a language they speak or understand

instruction is needed to reduce learning gaps for minority language speakers

spoken in 2016 were in danger of disappearing

Encyclopedia of Language and Education

• © 2018
• Latest edition
• Stephen May 0

Faculty of Education & Social Work, University of Auckland Faculty of Education & Social Work, Auckland, New Zealand

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• Revises and updates a landmark reference work, now in 3rd edition
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• Research methods in language and education
• Literacies and language education
• Language socialization
• Discourse and education
• Language, education and technology
• Language awareness and multilingualism
• Language policy and political issues in education
• Bilingual and multilingual education
• Second and foreign language education
• Language testing and assessment

About this book

Editors and affiliations, faculty of education & social work, university of auckland faculty of education & social work, auckland, new zealand.

Stephen May

About the editor

Bibliographic information.

Book Title : Encyclopedia of Language and Education

Editors : Stephen May

Publisher : Springer Cham

Copyright Information : Springer International Publishing AG 2018

Edition Number : 3

Number of Pages : 1200

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Language and education : Journals

• Educational linguistics Educational Linguistics aims to provide an international platform for cutting-edge research in the field of educational linguistics. The journal promotes the building of empirical understanding and critique of theories that relate to the interrelationship of language, education and other related social science disciplines. Contributors are encouraged to pay close attention to the multi-layered complexity and highly contextualized nature of language issues in education, for which education policy, language planning and pedagogical innovations are constructed, actualized, negotiated and disputed in the social, cultural, economic and historical conditions.
• Annual review of applied linguistics The Annual Review of Applied Linguistics publishes research on key topics in the broad field of applied linguistics. Each issue is thematic, providing a variety of perspectives on the topic through research summaries, critical overviews, position papers and empirical studies.
• Bilingual research journal "The Bilingual Research Journal is the National Association for Bilingual Education’s premier scholarly, peer-reviewed research publication. Bilingual Research Journal delivers in-depth coverage of education theory and practice, dealing with bilingual education, bilingualism, and language policies in education."
• Foreign language annals "Foreign Language Annals (FLA) is the official refereed, scholarly journal of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Dedicated to the advancement of language teaching and learning, the journal seeks to serve the professional interests of classroom instructors, researchers, and administrators who are concerned with the learning and teaching of languages, particularly languages other than English at all levels of instruction."
• Journal of language, identity, and education The Journal of Language, Identity, and Education is an international forum for original research on the intersections of language, identity, and education in global and local contexts. We are interested in interdisciplinary studies that examine how issues of language impact individual and community identities and intersect with educational practices and policies.
• Journal of linguistics "Journal of Linguistics has as its goal to publish articles that make a clear contribution to current debate in all branches of theoretical linguistics. The journal also provides an excellent survey of recent linguistics publications, with book reviews in each volume and review articles on major works marking important theoretical advances. The journal includes a Notes and Discussion section for briefer contributions to current debate."
• Journal of second language writing "The Journal of Second Language Writing is devoted to publishing theoretically grounded reports of research and discussions that represent a significant contribution to current understandings of central issues in second and foreign language writing and writing instruction."
• Language culture and curriculum " Language, Culture and Curriculum is a well-established journal that seeks to enhance the understanding of the relations between the three dimensions of its title. It welcomes work dealing with a wide range of languages (mother tongues, global English, foreign, minority, immigrant, heritage, or endangered languages) in the context of bilingual and multilingual education and first, second or additional language learning. It focuses on research into cultural content, literacy or intercultural and transnational studies, usually related to curriculum development, organisation or implementation."
• Language learning "Language Learning is a scientific journal dedicated to the understanding of language learning broadly defined. It publishes research articles that systematically apply methods of inquiry from disciplines including psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, educational inquiry, neuroscience, ethnography, sociolinguistics, sociology, and anthropology."
• Language learning journal: journal of the Association for Language Learning "The Language Learning Journal (LLJ) provides a forum for scholarly contributions on current aspects of foreign language and teaching. LLJ is an international, peer-reviewed journal that is intended for an international readership, including foreign language teachers, language teacher educators, researchers and policy makers."
• Language teaching "Language Teaching is the essential research resource for language professionals providing a rich and expert overview of research in the field of second-language teaching and learning. It offers critical survey articles of recent research on specific topics, second and foreign languages and countries, and invites original research articles reporting on replication studies and meta-analyses."
• Language testing "Language Testing is an international peer reviewed journal that publishes original research on foreign, second, additional, and bi-/multi-/trans-lingual (henceforth collectively called L2) language testing, assessment, and evaluation. Since 1984 it has featured high impact L2 testing papers covering theoretical issues, empirical studies, and reviews. The journal's scope encompasses the testing, assessment, and evaluation of spoken and signed languages being learned as L2s by children and adults, and the use of tests as research and evaluation tools that are used to provide information on the language knowledge and language performance abilities of L2 learners."
• Linguistics and education "Linguistics and Education is an international peer-reviewed journal that welcomes submissions from across the world that advance knowledge, theory, or methodology at the intersections of linguistics and education. The journal is concerned with the role played by language and other communicative/semiotic systems in mediating opportunities for learning and participation in a globalized world."
• Studies in second language acquisition "Studies in Second Language Acquisition is a refereed journal of international scope devoted to the scientific discussion of acquisition or use of non-native and heritage languages. Each volume (five issues) contains research articles of either a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods nature in addition to essays on current theoretical matters."
• TESOL quarterly TESOL Quarterly, a professional, refereed journal, was first published in 1967. The Quarterly encourages submission of previously unpublished articles on topics of significance to individuals concerned with English language teaching and learning and standard English as a second dialect.
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Language Learning

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Speaking another language can enrich your travel experiences, broaden career horizons, and connect you to cultures and opportunities that you may not otherwise have access to.  

Our lively and interactive sessions will help improve your understanding of key elements of the language you’re learning, such as pronunciation, intonation, usage, and vocabulary, while actively learning to use it in the proper business and social context. The program will improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and give you the confidence you need to apply your new abilities in the real world – wherever that may be. 

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