Orthography in the SHL Classroom and Beyond
First Look at Orthography in the Classroom
At the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Identify common orthographic challenges in SHL classrooms
- Discuss the importance of visualization in orthographic correction
We have provided a copy of the presentation and accompanying cuadernillo:
- Presentation slides (Powerpoint presentation)
- Cuadernillo Orthography (Word document)
Have the Cuadernillo available as you review the PowerPoint & listen to the videos.
The topic of orthography is a topic that is common within SHL classrooms. We can see diversity in these spelling issues that our heritage students present. While orthography is not a new issue, there are still some steps we can take in order to gain a better understanding of these issues and therefore support our students.
In the first video segment of this module, Dr. Bermejo presents one of these issues with the word “haiga”.
Video: The Issue with “Haiga”
In the next video segment, Dr. Bermejo presents questions that we as educators should consider regarding orthography in our classrooms:
Video: Questions to consider about Orthography
Questions to consider:
- Do you think orthography is relevant content in the SHL learner classroom? Give two reasons.
- What aspects of orthography do you think SHL learners want to learn and why?
- What features of orthography do you believe are the most challenging for SHL learners?
- What do you think are the main causes that affect students’ management of the Spanish orthographic system?
Once you have considered these questions, view the following video where Dr.Bermejo discusses different topics regarding these questions.
Video: Discussion Questions | Exploration of topics
As language educators, we have faced similar challenges with orthographic issues. Some issues noticed can be accents, false cognates, etc. Even our heritage learners can recognize their need to learn more about accentuation. There could be differences in teacher’s perceptions about these issues.
Video: Discussion Questions | Visualization of Words
Dr. Bermejo explains the importance of visualization when learning and processing words. The more we are exposed to the written version of the word, it will help us in writing since we are able to mentally refer back and visualize it. However, if that form is not already “recorded” in our repertoire, there will be issues in producing it.
Since technology is a normal medium for communication, writing has become a practice that is usually assisted by an autocorrecter. While its assistance is practical, it takes away from the visualization process. How so? When we are writing in a document, text, or email, there is a certain assurance that any orthographic issues will be detected by the system. Instead of having that moment of reflection to try to visualize the word, the auto-corrector already has made the suggestion. The user accepts it and moves on with no further processing. The student will continue to make the same mistake since there is not a correction.
Discussing Orthographic Issues beyond the classroom
In this section you will be able to:
- Discuss the presence of orthographic errors in society
- Identify the multi-dimensionality of orthography
When we look into our classrooms, we are truly looking at one part of the entire picture. The issues that are present are only a reflection of a greater phenomenon. In the following section, Dr. Bermejo explains the orthographic issues that are present beyond our classrooms.
Video: The Orthographic Epidemic in Society
Related link:
Video: Social Experiment – Orthography
Watch the following video
Carlos Duran – Experimentos sociales ORTOGRAFÍA EN UNIVERSIDADES
Orthographic issues appear as an epidemic that is part of society. Such issues can be viewed through different components. In the next segment, Dr. Bermejo speaks about the social, cultural, and literary implications of these orthographic errors.
Video: Orthography as a Social Component
Video: Orthography as a form of Culture and Identity
Related Links:
- Professors in Spain: La mala ortografía lastra las oposiciones a profesor (article from El País)
- Lawsuit dismissed due to spelling mistakes: Uruguay: rechazan un recurso presentado por un abogado por faltas de ortografía (article from La Nacion)
Video: Orthography as a literary component
We can see that these orthographic issues are multidimensional. By understanding these components as well as understand the social aspects of this topic, we can better identify ways to view, discuss, and present orthography.