1. Introduction
Language Awareness (LA) has long been considered crucial to the
learning process of a second language (L2) (Jones and Chen, 2012).
LA covers a large scope of cognitive and sociocultural issues
(Svalberg, 2007), and encompasses both the language proficiency
of the teacher and their knowledge about language (KAL) (Andrews,
2003). Because of this, teacher language awareness (TLA) directly
affects student achievement and language learning in the classroom
(Andrews, 2007).
This essay will discuss the topic of language awareness in three
ways: firstly, I will consider the concepts and theory behind LA and
reflect on the factors which affect language use, such as register,
users, time, and format. Secondly I will analyse in more detail the
ways in which LA can affect grammar teaching and learning, before
concluding with a reflection on the development of my own personal
LA and the impact it has on me both as a language user and a
language teacher.
2. Theoretical Background
2.1 Definitions, Aims and Approaches
Thornbury famously defined LA as the knowledge that teachers
have of the underlying systems of the language that enable them to
teach effectively (1997, in Andrews, 2001). In this definition, LA
refers solely to teachers knowledge. However, the Association for
Language Awareness (ALA) adds to this definition, describing LA as
explicit knowledge about language, and conscious perception and
sensitivity in language learning, language teaching and language
use (www.languageawareness.org, 2014). This therefore also
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to merge (Arndt et al, 2000). For example, texts and emails are
often written in the same instantaneous fashion as spoken
conversations, which affects the choice of vocabulary, particularly
when sent between individuals with a close connection (Hawkins,
1984). Similarly, television and radio broadcasts, despite being
spoken communication, have to be more coherent than, for
instance, conversations between friends, as there are not one but
many listeners, from a large variety of backgrounds (Arndt et al,
2000).
One further difference between traditional forms of spoken and
written language is the ephemerality of the spoken form. Again,
before recordings were commonplace speech was lost once it had
been produced. Consequently, written language includes far less
repetition than spoken, as readers can backtrack if necessary,
whereas listeners are more likely to need clarification or reminders
(Hawkins, 1984).
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