Language Learning And Literacy Distinctions

Importance of Literacy and ESOL teaching in London

ESOL is English to speakers of other languages. It is applied to the context of English foreign language and English Second language (Brooks, Heath, and Pollard, 2005). People have argued that it is not appropriate to say that English is a second language to a student learning it in an English native speaking country. This is because it could not have been that the student is learning a second language, in fact, it could have been the third or fourth language hence the need of terming it as ESOL. An ESOL course gives one the English language skills that they require so that they are able to communicate effectively in English.

Although literacy and ESOL learning are similar, there are differences that can distinguish the two. First, the focus of literacy learning is more on writing and reading. Also, it brushes and refines up a language which is in existence. The number of times a learner practices new literacy determine the competence and proficiency gained in the language. The more the practice of new literacy, the higher the likelihood of gaining more competence and proficiency in the language and vice versa (Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, 2000). On the other hand, ESOL focuses more on the input of English language and not on reading and writing.

ESOL learners have different natures which should be understood by the teachers so that they can come up with appropriate teaching method depending on the student's nature. First, there are students who are Non-alphabet literate (Brooks, Heath, and Pollard, 2005). These are the people who do not know anything about alphabets. Second are the Non-literate. These are the people who are not literate at all. Another group of the learners are the Non-Roman alphabet language literate who are literate on other alphabets except the Roman alphabets. Pre-literate is another nature where the learners prior literacy skills. Roman alphabet language literate are literate in Roman alphabets and Semi-literate are the half literate learners (Brooks, Heath, and Pollard, 2005).

Learning can take place in the institutions of learning like schools. The learners are able to interact directly with the teacher and with other students. It gives the student a good environment which may fasten their understanding and literacy skills (Millar, 2008). The more the effort and time given to learning, the higher the chances of gaining more proficiency and competence on the language. Online learning is another method that is used to educate on literacy skills. Most of the time, the student is neither in direct contact with the teacher nor with the other students

Literacy is the ability to read and write. However, the definition is not acceptable by all since some people think that a person's literacy level is influenced by social and cultural practices hence, it should not be measured based on a person's ability to read or write. There are several advantages that are associated with high literacy levels which include; High literacy levels leads to an enhancement of the economy since the people who are highly literate focus their goals towards improving their lives and in turn leads to economic improvement. Additionally, effective Literacy skills enable a person to get more employment and education opportunities (Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. 2000). Also, literacy is very important in maintaining and negotiating relationships with people and with institutions.

To add on the above, I think that it is literacy and ESOL learning is very crucial since they assist one to express themselves especially in hospitals. Language barrier can bring a lot of confusion especially if a patient is not able to communicate with the medical practitioners (Leung & Creese, 2010). Also the medical practitioners are not able to communicate back to the patient and for effective communication, interpreters are needed. There are some incidences when no interpreters are available and this calls for the need have literacy and ESOL lessons.

In London, people who do not know how to communicate in English may have a difficult time in making friends since the natives speak in English and they may not be able to communicate in other languages (Hughes and Schwab, 2009). Therefore, non-English speakers who need to make friends need to learn English so that they are able to speak to and understand their friends. Language barrier can make it difficult for one to go shopping. Price negotiation and making the other person understand the product that one is looking for can be very difficult if both parties are not able to understand each other. I think that learning of English and literacy in London is very important since it makes shopping easier.

To conclude, literacy and ESOL learning is very important in London. People who have high literacy levels and are able to communicate effectively in English have a higher likelihood of getting employment opportunities than those who are not. Additionally, going for shopping and seeking medication is easier.

Continue your journey with our comprehensive guide to Language Barriers in Early Childhood Education for Ethnic Minority Children.

References

• Brooks, G., Heath, K. and Pollard, A, 2005, Assessing adult literacy and numeracy: A review of assessment instruments. [Online] Available at: [Accessed August 25th 2018].
• Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000, ESL for literacy learners. Canada, CCLB.
• Hughes, N., & Schwab, I, 2009, Teaching adult literacy. Maidenhead, Open University Press.
• Leung, C., & Creese, A, 2010, English as an Additional Language: Approaches to Teaching Linguistic Minority Students. London, Sage Publications.
• Millar, R. (Ed.) 2008, Language or literacy? Stories of second language learners in adult basic education. Winnipeg, Centre for Education and Work.