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Lesson plan of Use and Variation of the English Language

English

Original Teachy

Use and Variation of the English Language

Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

  1. Main Objectives:

    • Understand the importance and purpose of linguistic variation in the English language.
    • Identify different forms of linguistic variation in the English language, such as dialects, accents, slang, among others.
    • Analyze examples of linguistic variation in texts and oral speeches.
  2. Secondary Objectives:

    • Develop listening and reading skills by analyzing and interpreting texts and speeches with linguistic variations.
    • Reflect on the influence of culture and social context on linguistic variation.
    • Practice producing texts and speeches with linguistic variations.

The teacher should present and discuss these Objectives with the students at the beginning of the class so they understand what will be covered and what skills and knowledge are expected to be developed throughout the class.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

  1. Review of Previous Content:

    • The teacher should remind students of the basic concepts of language, communication, and the English language.
    • They should also review the concept of cultural diversity and how it is expressed in language.
    • The teacher can use examples of different accents or slang that students are familiar with to illustrate the idea of linguistic variation.
  2. Problem Situation:

    • The teacher should present two problematic situations to spark students' interest in the topic.
      1. First, they can show a clip from a movie or series in English with a specific accent or dialect, asking students if they can understand everything.
      2. Next, they can present a clip from a song in English with a lot of slang, asking students to try to interpret the meaning.
    • The goal of these situations is to make students realize that linguistic variation is a real and significant part of the English language and that they need to learn to deal with it.
  3. Contextualization:

    • The teacher should explain the importance of the topic, showing how linguistic variation is present in various everyday situations, such as in movies, music, series, conversations with native speakers, among others.
    • They can also highlight the relevance of the subject for understanding the culture and society of English speakers.
  4. Introduction of the Topic:

    • The teacher should introduce the topic in a way that sparks students' interest.
      1. They can tell the story of how the English language spread around the world and how this resulted in a great variety of dialects and accents.
      2. They can also show curiosities about English slang, such as the fact that it can vary greatly between different regions and social groups.
    • The teacher can use visual resources, such as maps showing the distribution of different dialects, or funny videos of people trying to imitate English accents.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

  1. Theory - Concept of Linguistic Variation (5 - 7 minutes):

    • The teacher should start the theory by explaining the concept of linguistic variation, emphasizing that there is no single "correct" or "better" version of the language, but rather various valid ways to use it.
    • It should be clarified that linguistic variation can occur due to geographical, social, cultural, and historical factors.
    • The teacher can use examples of different dialects, accents, and slang to illustrate linguistic variation in the English language.
    • It should also be emphasized that linguistic variation can occur both in speech and writing.
  2. Theory - Types of Linguistic Variation (5 - 7 minutes):

    • The teacher should present the different types of linguistic variation in the English language, such as regional dialects, accents, slang, formal and informal language, among others.
    • It should be explained that each of these types of variation can reflect different aspects of the culture and society of English speakers.
    • The teacher can use examples of each type of variation and discuss the differences and similarities between them.
    • It should also be emphasized that speakers of a language can switch between different forms of linguistic variation depending on the context in which they are communicating.
  3. Practice - Identifying Linguistic Variation (5 - 7 minutes):

    • The teacher should propose practical activities for students to identify linguistic variation in written texts and oral speeches.
    • They can present students with texts from different genres (for example, a newspaper article, a song, a movie dialogue) and ask them to identify examples of linguistic variation.
    • They can also present students with recordings of speakers of different dialects or accents and ask them to identify the differences.
    • The teacher should guide students during the activity, clarifying doubts and providing feedback.
  4. Theory - The Influence of Linguistic Variation on Communication (5 - 7 minutes):

    • The teacher should explain how linguistic variation can influence communication.
    • It should be emphasized that, although linguistic variation can make communication more challenging, it can also enrich communication, allowing speakers to express nuances of meaning and cultural identity.
    • The teacher can use examples to illustrate how linguistic variation can affect the interpretation of the meaning of a text or speech.
    • It should also be discussed how speakers of a language can adapt to linguistic variation to ensure mutual understanding.

Return (8 - 10 minutes)

  1. Connection with the Real World (3 - 4 minutes):

    • The teacher should revisit the problematic situations presented in the Introduction, asking students to apply the knowledge acquired in the class to solve them.
    • For example, they can ask students to watch a new clip from a movie or series in English with a different accent or dialect and then discuss among themselves what they understood.
    • Another possibility is to present a new song in English with a lot of slang and ask students to interpret the meaning.
    • The goal of these activities is to make students realize how knowledge about linguistic variation can help them understand and communicate better in English, even when they are exposed to forms of language that are not familiar to them.
  2. Individual Reflection (2 - 3 minutes):

    • The teacher should propose that students reflect for a minute on answers to questions such as:
      1. "What was the most important concept you learned today?"
      2. "What questions remain unanswered?"
    • This reflection can be done in writing or orally, depending on the class dynamics.
    • The teacher should encourage students to share their reflections with the class, creating an environment of respect and appreciation for different perspectives.
  3. Student Feedback (2 - 3 minutes):

    • The teacher should ask students for feedback on the class, asking what they liked the most, what they found most challenging, and what they think could be improved.
    • The teacher should listen carefully to the students' feedback and use this information to plan future classes and improve teaching practice.
    • The teacher should thank the students for their feedback and reinforce the importance of active participation and student involvement in the learning process.
  4. Closure (1 minute):

    • The teacher should close the class by reinforcing the main points learned and the importance of knowledge about linguistic variation for effective communication in English.
    • They can also suggest additional study materials, such as articles, videos, and songs in English with linguistic variation.
    • Finally, the teacher should reinforce the importance of constant practice and contact with the English language in different contexts to deepen understanding and the ability to deal with linguistic variation.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

  1. Summary of Content (2 - 3 minutes):

    • The teacher should recap the main points covered in the class, reinforcing the definition of linguistic variation in the English language and the different types of variation, such as dialects, accents, slang, among others.
    • They should also summarize the practical activities carried out, highlighting how they helped students identify and understand linguistic variation in the English language.
    • The teacher can use a board or slide presentation to visualize these points, making the recap more effective.
  2. Connecting Theory with Practice (1 - 2 minutes):

    • The teacher should emphasize how the presented theory was applied in practical activities, showing students how theoretical knowledge can be useful in understanding and using the English language.
    • They should also reinforce how the practice of identifying and analyzing linguistic variation can help students become more effective communicators in English.
  3. Supplementary Materials (1 - 2 minutes):

    • The teacher should suggest additional study materials for students who want to deepen their understanding of linguistic variation in the English language.
    • These materials can include books, articles, videos, songs, movies, and series in English with different types of linguistic variation.
    • The teacher should briefly explain what each material covers and why it can be useful for students.
  4. Relevance of the Topic (1 minute):

    • Finally, the teacher should reinforce the importance of knowledge about linguistic variation in the English language for students' daily lives.
    • They should explain that the ability to understand and use different forms of language in English can facilitate communication with native speakers, help better understand the culture and society of English speakers, and make the experience of learning and using the language richer and more interesting.
    • The teacher should encourage students to continue exploring and practicing linguistic variation in the English language and to feel confident in using different forms of language according to the context and situation.
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