Noam Chomsky once said “Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied.” (http://www.brainyquote.com). The number of different ways that language can be used in different contexts are also infinite and varied. This report will discuss spoken and written language in the contexts of the classroom, at home and in the workplace.
General Differences
There are many general differences between speaking and writing. Speech is learnt spontaneously by almost all humans in their first two years of life, leading nativists theorists like Chomsky, to believe humans are ‘hard-wired’ to acquire spoken language (Fellowes & Oakley, 2014). …show more content…
To do this, the teacher would use a semi-formal register and might say “You need to go collect your library bags, and line up at the door”. However, in an early childhood setting the register would be less formal and more focussed on developing trusting relationships with the children than on instructing them. The teacher might ask the children about their weekend or favourite television show. In a university classroom, on the other hand, a lecturer would speak in a formal register to successfully instruct a large classroom of students.
Students with Teacher
Students would use a variety of spoken English to address their teacher. The register would vary between semi-formal and informal depending on the situation. For example, children would be expected to put up their hand to ask a question during class. If a child started telling the teacher about their weekend, while the teacher was trying to explain something to the whole class, this would not be acceptable. But, if it was during a more casual part of the day, this might be appropriate. Children would use a more formal register when giving an oral presentation to the teacher and class.
Classroom Context- Written …show more content…
For a primary teacher, this could include notes, newsletters, emails, text messages and even Facebook. The register could range from a semi-formal note saying: “Dear Parents, Please remember to pack sunscreen and a hat tomorrow for the sports carnival. Kind regards, Mrs Jones” to an informal Facebook excursion update such as: “We’re almost there! Stopping at Lithgow for a snack, then on the home stretch!” In an early childhood classroom a teacher might write a reflection about the learning that took place during the day for parents to read. This would be semi-formal and use informative language (Fellowes & Oakley, 2014). For example, they might write: “Today, we had a great time investigating insects! We looked at books, posters and a movie about insects, then we explored the garden and found some real, live
General Differences
There are many general differences between speaking and writing. Speech is learnt spontaneously by almost all humans in their first two years of life, leading nativists theorists like Chomsky, to believe humans are ‘hard-wired’ to acquire spoken language (Fellowes & Oakley, 2014). …show more content…
To do this, the teacher would use a semi-formal register and might say “You need to go collect your library bags, and line up at the door”. However, in an early childhood setting the register would be less formal and more focussed on developing trusting relationships with the children than on instructing them. The teacher might ask the children about their weekend or favourite television show. In a university classroom, on the other hand, a lecturer would speak in a formal register to successfully instruct a large classroom of students.
Students with Teacher
Students would use a variety of spoken English to address their teacher. The register would vary between semi-formal and informal depending on the situation. For example, children would be expected to put up their hand to ask a question during class. If a child started telling the teacher about their weekend, while the teacher was trying to explain something to the whole class, this would not be acceptable. But, if it was during a more casual part of the day, this might be appropriate. Children would use a more formal register when giving an oral presentation to the teacher and class.
Classroom Context- Written …show more content…
For a primary teacher, this could include notes, newsletters, emails, text messages and even Facebook. The register could range from a semi-formal note saying: “Dear Parents, Please remember to pack sunscreen and a hat tomorrow for the sports carnival. Kind regards, Mrs Jones” to an informal Facebook excursion update such as: “We’re almost there! Stopping at Lithgow for a snack, then on the home stretch!” In an early childhood classroom a teacher might write a reflection about the learning that took place during the day for parents to read. This would be semi-formal and use informative language (Fellowes & Oakley, 2014). For example, they might write: “Today, we had a great time investigating insects! We looked at books, posters and a movie about insects, then we explored the garden and found some real, live