Language Learning: Student Stories (Penner, 2013)

There were 4 major findings in this study of Refugee and Immigrant students in a language learning classroom (Penner, 2013).  The first finding was:

1.  First Languages are Used for Understanding and Pronunciation

One of the students who participated in this study was Manpreet*, a student who arrived in Canada from India seven months prior to the research.  He indicated that he uses first languages when thinking and trying to pronounce a word in the target language;

"Like some words that I don't know how to pronounce it.  First I think in

 my language.  Then I think about it in English." (Manpreet*)

Another student, Bilal*, who arrived in Canada from Pakistan four months prior to the study, also 

stated that he used first languages for understanding and pronunciation;

"...first languages will help us learn English because we can understand it..." (Bilal*)

"...our language and then we can say it in English.  Say the stuff in English." (Bilal*)

(*Names have been changed to maintain the confidentiality of the students.)

1st Languages & Identity in Language Learning (Penner, 2013)

For more information regarding Refugee and Immigrant Language Learning, 

contact Cynthia Penner M. Ed. at the following:

pennerconsulting@gmail.com

or 

Penner Consulting