Blog Week 1 : Entry #3

Oral Language and the Reading Process:
      Oral language and the reading process - two separate functions; yet, so closely woven together.  We are first exposed to oral language but as we grow and learn this becomes the foundation for reading.  Literacy is all encompassing of many things:  reading, writing, comprehension, listening, speaking.  So, even though they could stand alone, I do not think they should.  They all intertwine like a spider web and it is through this cross over that strength develops. As our reading states, "actually producing language encourages learners to process the language more deeply than is required when they simply listen."  (Gibbons, 2002)  As with many things, the more a skill is actually done, the stronger and sharper the skill becomes.  Thus, producing oral language will in turn help the reading process and vice versa.  Also, as vocabulary is learned, comprehension in both oral and listening skills increases in reading as well.  Thus, the more fully emerged a student can be in their oral language the more likely his/her reading will flourish as well.  They are separate components that rely deeply on one another.