learning 2 languages Flashcards
(15 cards)
Do writing systems directly represent concepts?
No, they represent language, not pictures.
What are the two language hierarchies used in writing systems?
Phonological and morphosyntactic hierarchies.
What is a phonographic writing system?
A system where graphemes represent sounds.
What are examples of phonographic systems?
Syllabaries (e.g., Japanese): 1 symbol = 1 syllable
Alphabets (e.g., English): 1 symbol = 1 sound
Abjads (e.g., Arabic): Only consonants are represented
What comes before learning to read?
Development of oral language skills.
What is bilingualism, and why is it hard to define
Bilingualism involves using two languages but varies widely in experience and definition, making it hard to define consistently.
What is the difference between simultaneous and sequential bilingualism?
Simultaneous: both languages from birth; Sequential: one language learned after the other.
Is the UK a monolingual country?
Predominantly yes, but it has several minority and migrant languages.
How common is learning to read in a second language worldwide?
About 50% of children globally learn to read first in an L2.
How do writing systems represent language?
They represent sound (phonological) or structure (morphosyntactic), not pictures.
Which pre-reading skills are most important?
Phonological awareness and vocabulary.
How do early literacy experiences help?
Shared reading builds motivation, print knowledge, and later reading success.
What is the alphabetic principle?
The idea that letters represent sounds—essential to reading, must be taught.
Why is English hard to learn to read?
Its deep orthography makes letter-sound relationships complex and inconsistent.
What is language transfer?
The application of language skills from one language to another—like phonological awareness or vocabulary.
