LC Language Adventures 2024 (A5) - Flipbook - Page 7
Language Adventures: Embracing Languages and Cultures in Primary School
1.3 Ideas for practical application
Language policies
A language policy, which allows and encourages pupils to use languages other
than the language of schooling both in school and as part of the learning
process, can contribute greatly to the pupils’ understanding of the connection
between languages and cultures. Firstly, teachers and principals who
demonstrate an interest in different languages and cultures act as powerful role
models, boosting pupils’ confidence and curiosity. A language policy should also
give a role to parents and guardians, to reinforce that encouragement.
Pupils can learn words and can also learn about facial expressions, hand gestures
and intonations associated with different languages, by observing classmates
interact in other languages.
They can learn this explicitly via pupils teaching other
pupils but they can also learn this incidentally (for
example, a pupil speaking Italian in class or in the yard
may use their hands more, and potentially sound bit
louder than usual, etc.).
Pupils might observe that
some classmates may
assume different postures
and perhaps, look more
“natural” or “proud” when
they speak in certain
languages, showing different
aspects of their identities which may
otherwise remain hidden.
As a whole-school approach, pupils could be
encouraged and supported to keep records of their
reflections, which would grow or evolve over time
into a diary or a portfolio.
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