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A FUNCTIONAL MODEL OF LANGUAGE
Learning oBJeC tiVeS
be introduced to the language system as a rich network of resources for making meaning
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understand the relationship between language and the contexts in which it is used
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consider the implications of a functional model for your own understanding of how language works and for your classroom practice.
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In this chapter, you will: » begin to become familiar with a functional model of language
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Language is at the heart of the learning process. In order to succeed in school, students need to use language for such purposes as explaining, arguing, recounting, and describing across a range of subject areas and in a variety of modes and media. Such language does not come naturally to most students and generally requires explicit teaching. This means that teachers themselves need to have a solid understanding of how language operates in academic contexts. Unfortunately, however, this is not always the case. In an attempt to address this, the Australian Curriculum: English includes an explicit knowledge about language as a major focus. This chapter will begin to introduce the functional model of language that informs the national curriculum.
Ke Y terMS and ConCeP tS functional model of language context
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genres
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register (field, tenor, mode)
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the language system
Note: throughout the chapters, you will be invited to ‘have a go’ at certain activities. These can be done either individually or in pairs/groups.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS