TEMA 1

• What is Plurilingualism?


  Plurilingualism is when an individual is surrounded by a plurality of languages, which he/she is able to understand and speak at different levels.
• Is Plurilingualism a characteristic of contemporary society?

  No, it is a natural state in human societies, regardless of the times.
• What did the first modern language textbooks look like?

  In the mid-nineteenth century, textbooks consisted of chapters organized around grammar points. Each point was illustrated by simple sentences.
• Can you mention some of the representatives of the Grammar-Translation Method?

  Seidenstucker, Plotz, Ollendorf & Meidinger
• What is the goal of Grammar-Translation Method?

  To read the target language literature or to benefit from intellectual development.
• How was grammar taught in GTM?

  Grammar is taught inductively, by presentation and study of grammar rules.
• What were the ideas of the first reformers in the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century?

  A demand for oral proficiency and the deficient way of teaching and learning foreign languages. However, these ideas lacked means for dissemination, acceptance and implementation.
• What are the main features of the Direct Method?

  Immersion, no translation, oral practice. Grammar is taught inductively.
• What is the theoretical background of underlying Audio-Lingualism?

  Behaviorism, learning is a mechanical process of habit formation.
• How have Cognitivism and Generative Transformational grammar affected language learning and teaching?

  Theory and methodology. These approaches gave way to the rise of Communicative Language Teaching.
• How would you define approach, method and technique?

  Approach is the level at which assumptions and beliefs about a language and language learning are specified.

  
  

  Method is the level at which theory is put into practice and at which choices are made about particular skills, content and the order in which they must be taught.

  
  

  Technique is the level at which classroom procedures are described.
• What elements must be considered at the design stage, according to Richards and Rodgers?

  Richards and Rodgers emphasize that at the design stage, it is important to consider the syllabus, learner needs, and learning objectives.
• What are the principles and main techniques of the language learning teaching methods which appeared in the 60s and 70s?

  Silent Way, Communicative approach, Suggestopedia, Total Physical Response, Audio-lingual method, Natural Approach.
• What are Krashen's five hypothesis? What method do they belong to? How have they influenced language learning and teaching in the 90s?

  1. Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
  2. Monitor Hypothesis
  3. Natural Order Hypothesis
  4. Input Hypothesis
  5. Affective Filter Hypothesis

  The approach presented by Krashen and Terell was the Natural Approach, which lead to the development of basic skills for personal communication.
• How would you define Computer-Assisted Language Learning?

  Language learning with computer support.
• What are the features of Content-Based Instruction?

  Language, content, authentic materials, real-world tasks, allows for a high degree of innovative creation.
• What are the origins of communicative language teaching? What are its theoretical bases?

  Origins: 1970s Theoretical bases: Communicative Competence, Sociocultural Theory
• What is the goal of communicative language teaching? How does it deal with the four skills?

  Goal: Communicative competence Dealing with skills: Emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing in authentic contexts.
• What is communicative competence? What sub-competences can be distinguished?

  Ability to effectively communicate in a language. Sub-competences: grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competence.
• How does CLT understand language?

  Through rules and structures.
• What is 'syllabus'? What elements must communicative syllabus include?

  Syllabus: Plan for a course. Elements: Language functions, communicative tasks, language skills, topics.
• What is the role of the teacher in CLT? What about the students?

  Teacher: Facilitator Students: Active participants