CMU-Q academic’s book offers language learning tips

CMU-Q academic’s book offers language learning tips

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s (CMU-Q) Dudley Reynolds has co-edited a book of insights from around the world on how to approach language education from an inclusive, multilingual perspective.

The book is also edited by Kashif Raza of Qatar University and Christine Coombe of Dubai Men’s College, Higher Colleges of Technology.

“Language is so fundamental to identity,” said Reynolds. “How to approach language education is something almost everyone can relate to.”

Reynolds is the senior associate dean for education at CMU-Q, a Qatar Foundation partner university. The book, 'Policy Development in TESOL and Multilingualism: Past, Present and the Way Forward', was published by Springer in the fall of 2021.

Reynolds notes that traditionally, languages are taught one at a time, and separately from native languages. A multilingual approach would use all of the language tools available to students, including native languages, as resources to get meaning across, and to improve understanding.

“The international community of English language teachers has discussed for many years the need to reposition teaching English. English should not be taught at the expense of learning or knowing other languages,” he said.

Reynolds explored the topic in a research report for the 2019 WISE Summit, 'Language Policy in Globalised Contexts'. Before