Bringing languages and cultures into contact: why lexical phrases may build bridges between native and foreign/second languages in the classroom, and between native/heritage and other cultures

Abstract

This paper explores the role of lexical phrases in language education in general (native language or L1; and second/foreign language or L2) and more specifically, in the education of English learners in US and European contexts as well as in other English-speaking countries worldwide. Even though this topic has been addressed by researchers and linguists for over 30 years now, it does not seem to be a prominent one among classroom teachers, teacher educators, reading specialists, and others directly involved in the practicalities of classroom life. I suggest here that lexical phrases can contribute to serving the interests of these learners in the early years, primary, middle and elementary schools. I argue that these phrases can serve not only their linguistic concerns, but also their literacy in general, identity, personal, and socio-cultural concerns while simultaneously attending those of native English-speaking children in these areas too. On this basis I propose that lexical phrases are an ideal unit for teaching children in linguistically and culturally diverse settings. I conclude the paper with a discussion of some pedagogic implications which are directly relevant to everyday classroom life.

Keywords:

• lexical phrases
• linguistic and cultural diversity
• EFL

Notes

1. The authors include an appendix with lexical phrases in Spanish, Chinese and Russian (190–203).

2. Notice, however, that variations in this case are constrained in the sense that only nouns or noun phrases may fill the slot. Other categories such as adjectives or adverbs are not possible.