Publisher's Synopsis
The functional approach examines how language allows us to perform various tasks such as: to share information, enquire, express attitudes, engage, contend, have our needs met, reflect, develop ideas, synchronize our experiences and understand the world. It is about how real people use language for real phenomenal. A functional model of language places more emphasis on meaning, including the role that language plays in creating meaning. According to this volume, a functional method to language does not focus on a number of rules that tell learners what is and is not acceptable usage, but rather on de-contextualized activities. Instead, real-world tasks are used to develop language comprehension across all curriculum sectors. A practical language model can be derived at whatever point learners are engaged in the development of texts and valuable opportunities are made for direct deliberation of these texts. These opportunities may arise, for instance, during a discussion session, or a collective book activity. They may also occur on their own or alongside other events, affecting individuals, a small group, or the entire class.
