Article published in:
ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 85/86 (1989) ► pp. 85–104

Linguistic Awareness and second Language Learning

| University of Ottawa (Ontario)

The present paper is an attempt to gain a better understanding of the role of linguistic awareness in second language learning by studying the relationship between linguistic awareness and significant aspects of formal language learning : the learner, the classroom, and the curriculum. Accordingly, this paper examines the contribution of linguistic awareness to second language development and aims to show that classroom intervention in heightening linguistic awareness can be beneficial to the learner in the process of acquiring a second language. In addition, arguments are presented to point out that linguistic awareness can play a vital role within the framework of communicative language teaching. Finally, individual differences in language and language-related behaviour are examined in relationship to individual variation in linguistic awareness.

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Quebec Ministry of Education (F.C.A.R. 86-AR-0274).

Published online: 01 January 1989
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.85-86.05mas
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