Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –
Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The benefits and advantages of written speech and
discourse in foreign language learning: insights from
German language acquisition
Shakhlo MITANOVA
1
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September 2024
Received in revised form
10 October 2024
Accepted 25 October 2024
Available online
25 November 2024
This article highlights the importance of written speech in
foreign language education, focusing on German language
learning. Writing improves grammar, expands vocabulary,
fosters critical thinking, and deepens cultural understanding. It
also serves as an effective assessment tool and equips learners
with lifelong communication skills. Practical strategies, such as
free writing and peer review, are suggested to overcome
challenges like fear of mistakes. The article concludes by
emphasizing the value of written discourse in building linguistic
competence and fostering global connections.
2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss5
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
written speech,
written discourse,
German language learning,
grammar acquisition,
vocabulary expansion,
critical thinking,
language assessment,
German syntax,
cultural understanding,
writing strategies,
peer review,
language proficiency.
Chet tilini o‘rganishda yozma nutq va yozma nutqning
afzalliklari:
nemis
tilini
o‘zlashtirishdan
olingan
tushunchalar misolida
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar:
Yozma nutq,
yozma diskurs,
nemis tilini o‘rganish,
grammatik o‘zlashtirish,
so‘z boyligini kengaytirish,
tanqidiy fikrlash,
Ushbu maqolada nemis tilini o‘rganishga e’tibor qaratib,
chet tilini o‘qitishda yozma nutqning ahamiyati ta’kidlangan.
Yozish grammatikani yaxshilaydi, so‘z boyligini kengaytiradi,
tanqidiy fikrlashni rivojlantiradi va madaniy tushunishni
chuqurlashtiradi. Shuningdek, u samarali baholash vositasi
bo‘lib xizmat qiladi va o‘quvchilarni bir umrlik muloqot qilish
1
Doctoral student, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
375
tilni baholash,
nemis sintaksisi,
madaniy tushunish,
yozish strategiyalari,
tengdoshlarni tekshirish,
tilni bilish.
ko‘nikmalari bilan ta’minlaydi. Xatolardan qo‘rqish kabi
qiyinchiliklarni yengish uchun bepul yozish va tengdoshlarni
tekshirish kabi amaliy strategiyalar taklif etiladi. Maqola
lingvistik kompetensiyani shakllantirish va global aloqalarni
rivojlantirishda yozma nutqning ahamiyatini ta’kidlash bilan
yakunlanadi.
Преимущества письменной речи и письменного
дискурса при изучении иностранного языка: выводы
из изучения немецкого языка
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
письменная речь,
письменный дискурс,
изучение немецкого
языка,
усвоение грамматики,
расширение словарного
запаса,
критическое мышление,
языковая оценка,
немецкий синтаксис,
культурное понимание,
стратегии письма,
рецензирование,
владение языком.
В данной статье подчеркивается роль письменной речи в
обучении иностранным языкам, с особым акцентом на
изучении немецкого языка. Отмечается, что письмо не
только улучшает грамматику и расширяет словарный запас,
но и способствует развитию критического мышления и
углубляет культурное понимание. Письменная речь
выступает важным инструментом оценки и вооружает
учащихся навыками общения, которые пригодятся на
протяжении всей жизни. В статье предлагаются
практические стратегии, включая свободное письмо и
рецензирование, чтобы помочь учащимся преодолеть страх
перед ошибками. Заключительный раздел подчеркивает
значение письменного дискурса в формировании языковой
компетенции и способствовании глобальным связям.
INTRODUCTION
The process of learning a foreign language is multifaceted, involving listening,
speaking, reading, and writing skills. Among these, written speech and discourse play a
critical role in solidifying linguistic competence. In academic settings, the emphasis on
written communication provides learners with an opportunity to explore grammatical
structures, expand their vocabulary, and engage in meaningful self-expression. For
learners of German – a language renowned for its complex grammar and nuanced
vocabulary – written discourse is particularly advantageous. This article explores the
benefits and advantages of written speech in foreign language classrooms, focusing on
German language acquisition. It will discuss pedagogical theories, real-life examples, and
effective strategies that highlight the importance of incorporating written discourse in
language education.
The role of written speech in language learning
Written speech, defined as the ability to communicate ideas, opinions, and
information in a structured, written format, is a cornerstone of foreign language learning.
Research in applied linguistics indicates that engaging in written discourse enhances
cognitive processing of the target language. Learners must not only recognize grammatical
rules and vocabulary but also apply them in context, fostering deeper comprehension. Key
aspects of written discourse in language learning include:
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
376
1.
Grammatical Accuracy:
Writing encourages learners to focus on precise
grammar usage. This is particularly relevant for German learners, who must navigate
complex verb conjugations, noun cases, and article genders.
2.
Vocabulary Expansion:
Written tasks expose learners to new words and
phrases, providing opportunities for active usage and long-term retention.
3.
Critical Thinking:
Writing requires learners to organize ideas logically, thus
improving analytical skills and clarity of thought.
For example, when German learners write essays about their daily routines, they
practice verb placement in subordinate clauses and the use of reflexive verbs such as
sich
duschen
(to shower oneself). This conscious application reinforces language rules learned
in class.
Lifelong benefits of writing in a foreign language
Beyond the classroom, the skills gained through written discourse in a foreign
language provide lifelong advantages. Writing promotes a level of precision and clarity that
extends to other areas of communication, including professional emails, reports, and
personal correspondence. For German learners, these skills are especially valuable in
contexts such as international business, academic research, and cultural exchanges.
Furthermore, the habit of maintaining written communication in a foreign language –
whether through journaling, blogging, or social media – allows learners to continue
refining their language skills long after formal education ends. This ongoing engagement
not only ensures language retention but also keeps learners connected to the cultures and
communities where the language is spoken, fostering a deeper sense of global citizenship.
Advantages of written discourse in German language acquisition
Learning German presents unique challenges due to its linguistic features. Written
discourse offers a structured approach to mastering the language’s complexities, providing
several advantages:
1.
Mastery of Grammar
German grammar is often perceived as daunting for beginners. Its system of four
cases (
Nominativ, Akkusativ, Dativ, Genitiv
), extensive use of compound words, and word
order rules are best understood through written exercises. Tasks such as translating
sentences, writing summaries, or crafting argumentative essays compel learners to
internalize these rules.
For example:
• Writing sentences like
Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch
(I give the book to the man)
helps learners practice the dative case.
• Formulating questions such as
Warum lernst du Deutsch?
(Why are you learning
German?) reinforces word order in interrogative sentences.
2.
Enhanced Vocabulary Acquisition
Writing in German requires learners to use diverse vocabulary. Through writing
assignments such as diary entries, email drafts, or formal letters, students are exposed to
words relevant to daily communication and professional settings.
Example assignments:
• Writing a cover letter for a German internship application.
• Describing a city tour in Berlin, incorporating travel-related vocabulary such as
das Brandenburger Tor
(the Brandenburg Gate) and
die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel
(public
transportation).
3.
Improved Pronunciation and Intonation
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
377
While written speech is non-verbal, it indirectly aids pronunciation. Writing down
words and sentences makes learners more aware of spelling patterns, which correlate with
pronunciation. For instance, recognizing the difference between
viel
(much) and
Fiel
(fell)
helps students with spoken accuracy.
4.
Cultural Insight
Writing in German also introduces learners to cultural norms. Composing formal
emails (
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren…
) teaches them politeness conventions unique to
German-speaking societies. Such tasks bridge the gap between linguistic competence and
cultural fluency.
Written Discourse as a Tool for Assessment
Another key benefit of incorporating written discourse in German language classes
is its effectiveness as an assessment tool. Unlike oral exams, written assignments provide
a clear record of a student’s progress, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Types of assessment include:
•
Short Essays:
Students demonstrate their ability to use conjunctions like
weil
(because) and
obwohl
(although) to create complex sentences.
•
Dictations:
These evaluate listening and writing skills simultaneously, ensuring
accurate spelling and comprehension.
•
Summaries and Reports:
Writing concise summaries of German texts encourages
critical reading and effective paraphrasing.
For example, summarizing a German fairy tale such as
Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten
(The Bremen Town Musicians) helps learners grasp narrative styles and expand
storytelling vocabulary.
Practical Applications and Classroom Strategies
Incorporating written discourse into German language classes requires careful
planning to maximize its benefits. Below are practical strategies for teachers:
1.
Free Writing Exercises
Encourage students to write short journal entries in German without focusing on
grammar or spelling. This method fosters creativity and reduces the fear of making
mistakes. Over time, students naturally correct their errors as they grow more confident.
2.
Peer Review
Collaborative writing exercises, where students review each other’s work, promote
critical thinking and cooperative learning. For instance, learners can exchange essays on
topics like
Mein Traumurlaub
(My Dream Vacation) and provide constructive feedback.
3.
Integrated Technology
Digital tools like Duolingo or language learning apps with writing prompts can
complement traditional methods. Additionally, platforms like Google Docs enable real-
time feedback from teachers.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Despite its advantages, integrating written discourse into language learning has
challenges:
1.
Fear of Errors
: Students may hesitate to write due to fear of mistakes. Teachers
should emphasize that errors are a natural part of learning.
2.
Time-Intensive Tasks
: Writing assignments require more time than speaking
exercises. Balancing written and oral activities ensures comprehensive skill development.
Solutions include:
• Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
378
• Encouraging iterative writing, where students revise their drafts based on
feedback.
Broad Implications of Written Discourse in Language Learning
The integration of written discourse in foreign language education highlights the
transformative power of structured communication. Writing not only bridges linguistic
theory with practical application but also encourages learners to think critically and
express themselves authentically. Its benefits extend beyond language acquisition,
cultivating transferable skills such as organization, analysis, and adaptability that are
valuable across disciplines and professions. By engaging with writing, learners develop a
holistic understanding of the language, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and
cross-cultural collaboration. The emphasis on written speech ultimately reinforces the
idea that language is not just a tool for interaction but also a means of shaping thought,
identity, and global understanding.
CONCLUSION
Written speech and discourse are indispensable in foreign language education,
offering unique benefits for learners of German. From mastering grammar and expanding
vocabulary to gaining cultural insights, writing fosters comprehensive language
acquisition. While challenges exist, thoughtful strategies can overcome them, making
written discourse an effective and rewarding aspect of language learning. As globalization
continues to connect people across linguistic boundaries, the ability to write in a foreign
language such as German will remain a valuable skill for academic, professional, and
personal success.
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