Hebrew Childrens Literature and the Adult Learner of Hebrew as a Second / Foreign Language Hebrew Childrens Literature and the Adult Learner of Hebrew as a Second / Foreign Language Hebrew Children's Literature & the Adult Learner of Hebrew as a Second/Foreign Language
Submitted by:
Rahel halabe
Abstract:
Teaching L2 to adults starts by the pragmatic everyday language. It integrates the most frequently used vocabulary and grammar in order to give the student an optimal mix of the simple with the practical. Language that describes feelings and thoughts is postponed to later stages. Similarly postponed are students' opportunities to enjoy valuable works of literature. Also, students have to wait long before they encounter subjects that have a more thoughtful depth than just dealing with day to day practicalities.
This paper suggests integrating children's literature into the curriculum of the adult Beginners' and Low Intermediate levels as done in the Vancouver Mini Ulpan. Even though stories used were not originally written for teaching purposes, or for adults, they can provide the students with a pleasurable, even thought provoking, support for their learning of frequent vocabulary and grammar. Through them, students can learn effective strategies for listening and reading with comprehension. They can also begin to express feelings and opinions, albeit in a simple manner. Moreover, much of this authentic material, even when adapted, contains a significant cultural component and could open a window into the culture of the language in which these adult students are taking their first steps.
http://cms.education.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/A3414EED-513E-4AEA-8013-6A4FDE299499/96084/ShafrutYeladim5.pdf