The Impact of Content Familiarity of Receptive Skills on Language Learning

Proceedings of The 5th International Academic Conference on Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2022

DOI:

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The Impact of Content Familiarity of Receptive Skills on Language Learning

Sara Fallahi

ABSTRACT: 

This paper reviews the importance of content familiarity of receptive skills and offers solutions to the issue of content unfamiliarity in language learning materials. Presently, language learning materials are mainly comprised by global issues and target language speakers’ culture(s) in receptive skills. This might lead learners to focus on content rather than the language. As a solution, materials on receptive skills can be developed with a focus in learners’ culture and social concerns, especially in the beginner levels of learning. Learners’ unfamiliarity with the content of skills can be a barrier to language learning that can hinder learners’ understanding and ability to build the required background knowledge of the content. Therefore, materials that improve content familiarity will help learners improve their language comprehension, learning, and usage. This presentation will conclude with practical solutions to help teachers and learners more authentically integrate language and culture to elevate language learning.

keywords: content familiarity, language learning, language learning books, receptive skills, reading and listening.