Passages for Language Learners
This is a list of passages written with language learners
in mind. Most of them will be for English language learners (ELLs),
but usually the same principles apply to learners of other languages.
These passages or articles are geared toward not only the language-learning
experience but also socio-cultural aspects of language learning,
linguistics, and other language-related topics.
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The articles appear below in descending chronological order.
Highlights
Language: Language Bias and Discrimination
Abstract
Read: Basic
Read: Intermediate./Adv.
Language biases exist against people with accented speech, stutters, and other speech characteristics. Such biases can have serious consequences.
American Culture: Level of Formality in American Language and Culture
Abstract
Read: Beginner
Read: Intermediate
Just as in other languages, English has levels of formality. What is considered appropriate or inappropriate in the US? How do you know what level of formality to use? How can you avoid social blunders? (Article available for beginners and Interm./advanced learners.)
audio avaible at “Beginner” level.
Recent Articles
November 2020:
What is grammar (for a linguist)?
Abstract
Read: Interm./Advanced
The idea most of us have about what grammar comes from what we learned in school, which is known as “traditional grammar.”
However, to understand how language works linguists need to study a type of grammar based on describing the language as people actually use it, not how they “should” use it. In this article, Franco explains what grammar is for linguists.
July 2020:
Accents and Idiolects
Abstract
Read: Int./Advanced
Franco explains what accents and idiolects and draws on his own experiences to discuss their sociolinguistic nature, including
the possible negative impact on an individual caused by stereotyped perceptions of accents and idiolects.
July 2019:
5 Steps to Break through the Socio-Cultural Bubble
Abstract
Read: Intermediate
Read: Advanced
Marc Franco proposes five steps for English as a second language (ESL) learners
to break through the “socio-cultural bubble” and, as a byproduct, improve their language skills in English.
This is based on the concept that ESL learners living in the United States sometimes
create a “socio-cultural bubble” in which they stay within their cultural and linguistic
community, thus limiting socialization and exposure to English, which can slow down
and even prevent language learning.
June 2019:
Learning English in the US (a case study)
Abstract
Read: Intermediate
Read: Advanced
The author, an experienced instructor of English as a second language (ESL),
shares what he has learned about the experience of many ESL learners who are learning English
while living in the United States. Although the focus is on ESL and the United States,
the information likely applies to learning any language in a country where the
language is spoken.