Children who speak another language at home also need specific support in developing their speaking skills. This applies particularly to the acquisition of the standard variety of the language and vocabulary.

Heritage language courses can make a valuable contribution through targeted vocabulary training and creative language use. Oral communication and a democratic approach to classroom discussions should therefore be assigned high priority.

Teachers of heritage languages can find methodological guidelines and lesson examples in the book “Promoting speaking in the first language”. Correct pronunciation and listening comprehension are developed through games, rhymes and poems. Different forms of conversation, story telling and oral presentations give learners ample opportunity to practice.

Table of Contents