Introduction

1. What does “orality” mean?

Besides written expression, orality or oral expression is the second largest area of language appliction. (Strictly speaking, it is the first in the history of mankind as well as with almost all individuals. The cultural …

2. Promoting orality – and what this means for HLT

Oral expression plays an important role in language teaching, and this applies of course to heritage language teaching as well. The importance of this role is already apparent in that the major part of communication …

3. Goals and structure of this publication

The present volume is closely related to the didactic publications 1 and 2 of the series “Materials for heritage language teaching”. Whereas volumes 1 and 2 comprise suggestions for teaching writing and reading in the …

4. Three key aspects of current didactics in orality

The area of orality is a huge field with an extensive literature in various languages and traditions. The different traditions are reflected, for instance, in the significance which target areas, such as “democratic discussions in …

5. Exchanges and cooperation with regular mainstream education

How valuable and stimulating a coordinated approach between HLT and regular curriculum instruction, including the exchanges of experiences, findings and procedures can be, has been repeatedly pointed out in the foundation volume as well as …

Preface to the series “Materials for heritage language teaching”

What does “orality” mean?

Explanations, abbreviations
First language	Also mother tongue or family language: the first language a child has learned and speaks at home. Some children have two first languages.
School language	The language that is spoken in the schools of the host country. In addition, the local dialect may count as an environment language.
Abbreviations	S: Student T: Teacher (instructor)

Legend for indications referencing organizational form, class, time requirements concerning teaching proposals:
	IW = Individual Work
	WP = Working with a partner
	SG = Small Groups
	WC = Whole Class
2nd – 4th grade	Suitable for... to... (e.g. 2nd – 4th grade). Keeping in mind that this designation may vary according to the requirements of the individual students.
20 minutes	Approximate time requirement, e.g. 20 minutes. (Estimated time varies, must be determined by the instructor according to the level and the requirements of the class).

1. Introduction

1. What does “orality” mean?

2. Promoting orality – and what this means for HLT

3. Goals and structure of this publication

4. Three key aspects of current didactics in orality

5. Exchanges and cooperation with regular mainstream education

Table of Contents