Making Meaning in English

Synopsis

What is English as a school subject for? What does knowledge look like in English and what should be taught? Making Meaning in English examines the broader purpose and reasons for teaching English and explores what knowledge looks like in a subject concerned with judgement, interpretation and value.

David Didau argues that the content of English is best explored through distinct disciplinary lenses - metaphor, story, argument, pattern, grammar and context - and considers the knowledge that needs to be explicitly taught so students can recognise, transfer, build and extend their knowledge of English. He discusses the principles and tools we can use to make decisions about what to teach and offers a curriculum framework that draws these strands together to allow students to make sense of the knowledge they encounter.

If students are going to enjoy English as a subject and do well in it, they not only need to be knowledgeable, but understand how to use their knowledge to create meaning. This insightful text offers a practical way for teachers to construct a curriculum in which the mastery of English can be planned, taught and assessed.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of English

* Outlines the importance of English as a global language for communication, education, and business.
* Real example: The spread of English through globalization, resulting in its use in international conferences, scientific publications, and online platforms.

Chapter 2: The Process of Language Learning

* Explores the cognitive process of language acquisition, from basic understanding to fluency.
* Real example: The journey of a student learning English as a second language, starting with basic vocabulary and progressing to complex sentence structures.

Chapter 3: Language as a Reflection of Culture

* Describes the intricate relationship between language and culture, and how words and expressions reflect societal values and norms.
* Real example: The use of "taboo" words in certain cultures to signal respect or avoid offense.

Chapter 4: Language in the Classroom

* Discusses effective teaching methods for English language learning, emphasizing the importance of communicative approaches and learner-centered activities.
* Real example: A teacher implementing a task-based learning approach, where students engage in real-world language tasks to practice their skills.

Chapter 5: Language and Identity

* Explores the role of language in shaping personal and social identity, and how language can influence self-perception and communication patterns.
* Real example: A multilingual individual who seamlessly switches between languages depending on the social context they are in.

Chapter 6: Language and Communication

* Examines the multifaceted nature of communication, from verbal and nonverbal cues to the social and cultural factors that shape interactions.
* Real example: The importance of cultural awareness when communicating in English with individuals from different backgrounds, such as understanding the significance of eye contact or the use of gestures.

Chapter 7: Language and Technology

* Discusses the impact of technology on language learning and communication, from online resources to language-learning apps.
* Real example: The use of video conferencing tools to facilitate language exchange programs between students worldwide.

Chapter 8: Language and the Future

* Explores the evolving role of English in the globalized world and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for language learners and educators.
* Real example: The increasing demand for English proficiency in the job market due to the interconnectedness of the world economy and the rise of multinational companies.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

* Summarizes the key points of the book and emphasizes the importance of embracing English as a means of communication, understanding, and self-expression.
* Real example: The story of a language student who uses their English skills to connect with people from all over the world, broadening their horizons and fostering a sense of global community.