Language Production

[Niko]

Language Production Goes Hand in Hand with Comprehension

It is obvious that, at any given stage of development, a small child's receptive ability in their first language outstrips their productive ability.

In foreign language programs, however, we almost always expect a student to be able to say just about anything. Language production comes naturally amongst children, but is somewhat forced in foreign language programs.

Of all the assumptions about foreign language learning, it is this that is most dubious. One reason for insisting upon production, possibly is that it is easier than reception to test. When we ask our students to speak or to write, their mistakes show up immediately. It is easy to decide who merits an A and who must be content with a C.

Testing comprehension is not quite so easy. Questions must be phrased a bit more carefully. The answers to be sought are a shade more subtle.