Talk Reform

Explorations in Language for Infant School Children

D. M. Gahagan, G. A. Gahagan

$179

Hardback

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English

Routledge
09 May 2025

Sociolinguistics; Social classes; Sociology; Moral & social purpose of education

Series: Primary Socialization, Language and Education

Originally published in 1970, Talk Reform describes the development of an exploratory language enrichment programme devised by the authors and carried out by teachers in a group of primary schools in a working-class area of London.

Inspired by Bernstein’s theory of different language codes and their relation to educational underachievement, the authors devised a series of situations in the classroom as preconditions for extending language use. Their aim was to reorient the reader to the social functions of language, so that teachers who understood the ideas behind this programme would be able to carry out the activities described as well as those they may have thought up for themselves. The kinds of problems encountered when trying to judge the value of intervention and change in the classroom are discussed and illustrated, from the authors’ own research. The authors put forward the view that the social and linguistic skills that could be acquired in the way outlined in their book were crucial to the advancement of the working-class child in the social system. Today it can be read in its historical context.

By: D. M. Gahagan, G. A. Gahagan
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 460g
ISBN: 9781041008897
ISBN 10: 1041008899
Series: Primary Socialization, Language and Education
Pages: 148
Publication Date: 09 May 2025
Audience: College/higher education , College/higher education , Adult education , Primary , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Talk Reform: Explorations in Language for Infant School Children

Reviews for the original edition: ‘Will interest primary school teachers who are concerned with developing the language skills of their pupils; research workers in education; and all those who are intrigued by Bernstein’s theory of language development.’ – Durham Research Review ‘Describes an exploratory language enrichment programme carried out by teachers in a group of primary schools in a working-class area of London. It is not overloaded with jargon and it has plenty of practical suggestions for teachers.’ – Education