Goal of language teaching is to become as close to the native speaker as possible
Tartu University
Essay
The goal of language teaching is to become as close as possible to the native speaker
Narva, 2012
The topic of my essay is The goal of language teaching is to become as close as possible to the native speaker. I don’t however completely agree with this statement. There is hardly only one set goal for language teaching. The goals can be as follows: to understand and appreciate different countries, to learn about the basic structures of language, and how it can be manipulated. Second Language Acquisition also sometimes states that the target of second language learning is concerned with the ability to use language in communicative situations. Therefore, it can be said that the purposes of language teaching are far from straightforward. For example Cook (2002) made an open-ended list of the goals of language teaching that includes:
Self-development. The student becomes in some way a 'better' person through learning another language.
A method of training new cognitive processes. By learning another language, students acquire methods of learning or new perspectives on themselves and their societies.
A way-in to the mother-tongue. The students' awareness of their first language is enhanced by learning a second language.
An entrée to another culture. Students can come to understand other groups in the world and to appreciate the music and art of other cultures.
A form of religious observance. For many people a second language is part of their religion, whether Hebrew for the Jewish religion, Arabic for Muslims, or indeed English for Christians in some parts of the world.
A means of communicating with those who speak another language. We all need to cope with people from other parts of the world whether for business or pleasure.
The promotion of intercultural understanding and peace. For some the highest goals of language teaching are to foster
Essay
The goal of language teaching is to become as close as possible to the native speaker
Narva, 2012
The topic of my essay is The goal of language teaching is to become as close as possible to the native speaker. I don’t however completely agree with this statement. There is hardly only one set goal for language teaching. The goals can be as follows: to understand and appreciate different countries, to learn about the basic structures of language, and how it can be manipulated. Second Language Acquisition also sometimes states that the target of second language learning is concerned with the ability to use language in communicative situations. Therefore, it can be said that the purposes of language teaching are far from straightforward. For example Cook (2002) made an open-ended list of the goals of language teaching that includes:
Self-development. The student becomes in some way a 'better' person through learning another language.
A method of training new cognitive processes. By learning another language, students acquire methods of learning or new perspectives on themselves and their societies.
A way-in to the mother-tongue. The students' awareness of their first language is enhanced by learning a second language.
An entrée to another culture. Students can come to understand other groups in the world and to appreciate the music and art of other cultures.
A form of religious observance. For many people a second language is part of their religion, whether Hebrew for the Jewish religion, Arabic for Muslims, or indeed English for Christians in some parts of the world.
A means of communicating with those who speak another language. We all need to cope with people from other parts of the world whether for business or pleasure.
The promotion of intercultural understanding and peace. For some the highest goals of language teaching are to foster