Culture, Language and Progress in the Primary Classroom. Durham University, Lingua Conference, 27th Feb 2019. Outline.

Language never exists in a vacuum. The basic linguistic structures introduced in the early stages of learning a language are in a context that can either engage pupils and so make them want to learn, or, through lack of substance, bore them. This paper will show resources that identify and present key cultural elements in French, German and Spanish in ways that support the early stages of language learning by inviting pupils to visit the country in their minds, and to share the thoughts and feelings of people of their own age and they live, eat, work, go to school and enjoy holidays. There will be illustrations from Zim Zam Zoum, A Green Mouse, children's books in different languages, and BBC's Being Spanish. Materials will be selected to extend and reinforce language learning, and not to expose children to language that they may not fully understand.