Friestalige Lees- en Taalmethoden

This paper discusses two methods of reading instruction and two methods of language instruction in Friesland (the Netherlands). In this bilingual area two languages, Frisian and Dutch, are taught in elementary education. The first methods of reading instruction in Frisian were published +_ 1950. 'Stap foar Stap' was implemented in a traditional and an experimental orthography. Comparisons clearly showed the advantage of the latter. Currently a new approach is in use. This approach ('Opstap') emphasizes the simultaneous introduction of Frisian and Dutch. Achievement tests in 1981 and 1982 made clear that the results in Frisian are lower than in Dutch. Apparently teachers still pay more attention to Dutch, the national language, than to Frisian. Methods for language instruction have existed since the beginning of this century. The paper presents an analysis of 'De Foargonger' (first edition 1927) and the 'Taaltwirre' (1981). There is a significant difference in style, idiomatic expressions and vocabulary. The 'Taaltwirre' halts between two opinions: a) an old-fashioned approach and b) a new approach based on childcentered education. Through lack of clarification and consequent elaboration of its objectives and the influence of teachers this method has to be considered as a compromise.