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A new perspective: Teaching ESL in Plain English

I think Ms. Lucy is a real Ms. Sweetie. She has permitted me to reprint her whole post below. She makes learning English easier by teaching plain English:

Communication flows when all parties clearly understand the message. In companies, translating numerous documents to Plain English (often called Plain Language), can help employees better understand company rules, procedures, product information, sales strategies, employee benefits and more. Reading becomes easier and the message is easily conveyed. This makes perfect sense because the act of reading should not be an obstacle. Reading is the vehicle to getting to the message. Translating to Plain English has helped clarify the message so that everyone can understand the meaning.

This got me thinking about how consciously using Plain English when teaching conversational ESL-EAL can positively enhance the learning process. Verbally, Plain English can help get the message across quickly as well as effectively. When we teach beginners, as ESL teachers, we know that it is essential to keep language clear and simple. This is not only achieved through pacing and careful pronunciation and intonation; we do this by using Plain language. We do this naturally in order to keep our students engaged while learning. Students integrate the language more readily and learn to trust themselves to speak with more confidence. Consequently, they learn how to speak English with ease and confidence.

So, in effect, the key is to consciously use Plain English as often as we can with our students. This should apply not only with beginners but also with our intermediate level students. Of course, when learning a language, it is important to continue to improve on vocabulary and raise the bar when it comes to fluency and level of sophistication and we cannot lose sight of this. However, if students can be taught primarily using clear, concise and meaningful language, this will enble them to further advance their learning while expanding on their skills. Concepts will be understood; questions will be answered/asked correctly; communication will flow.

After all, the goal in learning a second or additional language is to communicate effectively with others around us; for social, business; educational or travel purposes, to name a few. By simplifying and clarifying we will reach our students and motivate them to learn more. Students will have an easier time learning when they understand and integrate the message being communicated. This will enable them to become active participants who are eager to learn and exchange with greater facility.

Full post as published by Building Rapport on January 08, 2009 (boomark / email).