Framework for a task-based approach to the teaching of Xhosa as a second language for local government purposes

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The purpose of this study is to apply contemporary theories about language andlanguage learning in a South African and Western Cape context in order toaddress the specific needs of isiXhosa second language learners in localgovernment.This study explores the use of communication tasks for vocational languageteaching. It aims at providing a sound theoretical foundation of second languagelearning principles that support a task-based approach to language teaching forspecific purposes. The perspectives of a broad range of theories that view thelearner as autonomous and a social individual are regarded. Second languagelearning is assumed to rely on some degree of access to Universal Grammar andan innate ability to acquire language. It is argued that controlled and purposefullearner-learner interaction provides the learner with the most opportunities tonegotiate meaning and to develop effective communication.The role of instruction in second language acquisition is explored. A greaterinterface between second language acquisition theory and pedagogy ismotivated and classroom research is regarded to form a platform for more opendialogue between the two fields. The study addresses practical issues regardinglearner participation, error treatment, learning strategies and culture studies. Adiscussion of task types, examples of tasks and criteria for task development hasthe potential to inform and guide second language teachers and programmedevelopers.In order to motivate the use of tasks in second language teaching for specificpurposes, theoretical perspectives of the instructional task are reviewed and theproperties of communication tasks and referential communication tasks aredescribed. Learning tasks which focus on form and provide learning strategiesand cross-cultural awareness are assumed to playa supportive role in the taskbasedsyllabus.Finally, a task-design that addresses the needs of the municipal worker ispresented and provides a framework for developing task-based second languageteaching programmes for local government workers. A range of target tasks aredescribed and analyzed according to the principles and properties ofcommunication tasks and possible move-structures and language structures arelisted for consideration for learning tasks.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University