A new textbook for learning Polish as a foreign language, Język polski – Chcę i mogę! [Polish – I want and I can!], is dedicated to the students at the level A1 (CEFR, 2003). It is addressed mainly to adult students, though it can be used as well for working with youths. The textbook bases on the communication approach in teaching. It comprises of 15 units, every three of which end with a revision that allows both teachers and their students to control the process and efficiency of language education. In each lesson, apart from texts, dialogues and speech situations, there is also a great number of language and skill exercises (depending on the topic, they range from 12 and 20). The last unit, which is separate from the numeral order of all units in the book, is entitled Świętujemy! [We are celebrating!]. Its extracts can be used at every stage of the course – depending on the needs of the group as well as the rhythm of the year. In the mentioned unit, there are a lot of facts concerning Polish traditions, holidays and ways of their celebration. What undoubtedly helps in acquiring the knowledge is the graphic of the units which is abundant in colors, though not striking. The graphic refers to layouts of Facebook, blogs and other forms of contemporary communication, which are familiar to all students.
To the textbook, there has been added audio material – records of texts and dialogues from particular lessons as well as selected exercises (records are marked by a small icon). The integral part of the textbook is also an exercise book, including various grammar and vocabulary exercises along with tasks which help to form a correct writing and to create simple texts. Complementary part of the exercise book includes language games, boards and additional readings (without exercises) based on authentic texts; all the mentioned materials can be used both at the classes and during student’s individual work (homework). Contrasting the textbook with other ones, it is worth to emphasize that:
• the grammar component of the textbook is slightly extended;
• the lexical material of the textbook is based on the frequency lists of vocabulary which were compiled for the didactics of Polish as a foreign language; the mentioned lists have been updated by Anna Seretny;
• integrated teaching of particular subsystems of language as well as language skills.
Integrating the subsystems of language with language skills, the method which has been applied in the textbook, is not only in line with the way how natural communication works, but it also allows students to master language more efficiently. Thanks to multiple and varied contact with the linguistic material, students can deeply internalize it.
check_circle
check_circle