Advantages of the semantic method for teaching reading in a foreign language to adult learners

Nenyuk E. A.

This article is devoted to the peculiarities of the semantic method recommended for teaching reading in a foreign language in the classes with adult students. This method was developed on the basis of well-known methods that are used for teaching language to different categories of students. Three fundamentally different approaches were analyzed: whole word, phonics, and whole language methods. The research showed that some methods for teaching reading in the native language are applicable for learning foreign languages. These methods are practiced only when working with children. The article presents arguments in favor of their use in classes with adults as well. The article provides examples of various techniques for teaching reading, and shows their effectiveness. In addition, various strategies for teaching reading depending on the goal set are described.

Keywords:semantic method, phonics, whole language method, whole word method, decoding, immersion method, reading comprehension, reading techniques, effectiveness, adult learners, extensive and intensive reading, reading fluency.