Why is the understanding of English language variation beneficial to English teachers?
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Upon completing the course, students are
expected to understand language varieties, regional varieties, social
varieties, language varieties, and EFL teaching. Therefore, you will need to
read your BMP Module-2, Materi Inisiasi 2, and some additional materials
provided before you answer the questions.
Discuss the following questions:
Why is the understanding of English language
variation beneficial to English teachers?
Discuss with other students. Good luck.
Answer:
Jufrizal and
Refnaldi (2017) define English language variation as the differences in the use
of the English language that occur due to various social, cultural, and
geographic contexts. These differences can be observed in pronunciation,
grammar, vocabulary, and other linguistic characteristics. The factors that
influence English language variation include geography, ethnicity, age, gender,
social class, and education, among others. It is crucial for language teachers
to have an understanding of English language variation as it allows them to value
the diversity of English and its users, improve their communication with
students, develop more effective teaching materials, and establish a more
comprehensive and considerate classroom environment.
Hudson (2010)
emphasizes the importance of understanding language variation for language
teachers, particularly in the context of teaching second language reading. He
argues that an awareness of different varieties of English can help teachers
develop a more inclusive and effective approach to teaching, one that
recognizes the diversity of English and its users and is more sensitive to the
needs of students who speak different varieties of English. By being aware of
language variation, teachers can also develop strategies to help students
bridge the gap between their own variety of English and the academic variety
they need to succeed in their studies.
Jenkins(2006)
discusses the importance of teaching English as a lingua franca (ELF) and world
English in the context of English language teaching. She argues that
understanding the linguistic features and varieties of English used in
different regions and contexts can help teachers communicate more effectively
with their students, particularly those who speak English as a second or
additional language. By recognizing the diversity of English and its users,
teachers can adjust their speech and instruction to be more understandable to
their students and help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to
function in a globalized world.
Meanwhile, Kachru
(2006) discussed the importance of understanding World English in the context
of international communication and teaching English. He argues that English
teachers who are aware of the different variations of English can design
teaching materials that are more relevant and effective for their students. By
combining examples of different variations of English and exposing students to
authentic material, teachers can help students develop a broader understanding
of English and its use in different contexts. This can improve not only their
language skills but also their intercultural competence and their ability to
function in a globalized world.
So, we can conclude that understanding English variety is beneficial for English teachers because it helps them become more aware of language diversity, communicate more effectively with their students, design better teaching materials, and create a more inclusive and respectful classroom environment.
References :
Hudson, T. 2010. Teaching
second language reading. Oxford University Press.
Jenkins, J. 2006. Current
perspectives on teaching world Englishes and English as a lingua franca.
TESOL Quarterly, 40(1), 157-181.
Jufrizal
and Refnaldi. 2017. Buku
Materi Pokok MPBI5302/3SKS/Modul 1-9: Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching.
Tangerang Selatan, Banten: Universitas Terbuka
Kachru, B. B. 2006.
World Englishes: Implications for international communication and English
language teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Norton, B. 2013.
Identity and language learning: Extending the conversation (2nd ed.).
Multilingual Matters.