May 23, 2009
May 23, 2009
Many people ask whether it's okay to use authentic texts for ER.
My answer depends on two things. Firstly, 'what do you mean by authentic?' and secondly ' who is doing the reading?'
To many people, 'authentic' means 'native texts' - i.e. materials not written for second language learners - native novels, magazines, websites etc.. Some people suggest that these materials are good for learners because ultimately they need to read native materials - newspapers, websites, novels and so on. I think this confuses the end goal with the process. Sure the end goal might be to get them to read native texts, but should we start with them? It would not be a good to teach people to drive in an Formula 1 car, so why start beginner readers with native texts? Native texts are full of native language - they are very lexical dense, full of complex phrases, and are written for people versed in the English culture(s). It can take years to learn enough of a foreign language to read native materials fluently.
The counter argument of course is that it is because the native texts are rich in native language that they provide a model for what the learners need to read. But anyone who has learnt a foreign language knows native mateirals are all but inaccessible unless the materials are read slowly - often with a dictionary. But this is intensive reading not extensive reading.
The aim of ER is to aid fluent reading by reading materials that can be read
a) without a dictionary
b) quite quickly - i.e. without too much pausing
c) with very high levels of comprehension
d) with active engagement - i.e. they are enjoyable
To me it makes sense to start learners with what they know. The gap between most learner's English and the language is native texts is to far and from their point of view the language is too randomly presented to make it meaningful and easy to learn from and will not meet the 4 conditions for ER set our above. Therefore learners should start reading with graded materials - graded readers. Beginner drivers start with the basics, and so should beginning readers.
However, if the learners are able to comprehend native materials quickly, without a dictionary, then of course native materials can be used for ER. But in my experience, less than 1% of English learners in this country can do this.
Authentic (native) texts are neither good nor bad. The issue is whether the learners are able to read them fluently or not. If they can't then they are not doing ER - they are more likely doing IR and struggling as they go.