Theories of language Theories of Language and Language Learning in CBI

1. Theories of language

The first theory is language is text and discourse-based. From the viewpoint of CBI, language consists of written language texts and spoken language discourse. CBI focuses on teaching how the meaning and information are communicated through texts and discourse. Second, language draws on integrated skills. This reflects the real world situation where people are not use only one language skills but actually four language skills. Brinton 2003 states that CBI views language use as the integrated skills. In fact, learning one skill only is not effective. For example: it is impossible to learn speaking without listening and writing without reading. By integrating the four skills, students are able to learn effectively. In CBI, grammar and vocabulary are seen as components of language learning. Third is, Language is purposeful. Each language item has a purpose. When students focused on the specific purpose of the language item, the students are able to indulge themselves in the learning process as they know that what they are doing now is not wasteful. Fourth is, language contains great potential for communicating meaning. Teachers who use CBI need to make adjustments and simplifications the same way that native speakers make in communicating with second language students. The discourse that results from these simplifications is often referred to as “foreigner talk”. Teachers operating within CɒI make such “foreigner talk” in order to make the content more comprehensible for the students. The nature of vocational school students as ESP learners makes the students see the language as a means of communication, not as knowledge or see the language through the eyes of a linguists. ESP learners learn language to make them able to communicate using the language, not to learn about them. CBI proves to be compatible with the way of thinking of the ESP learners. Through the theories of the language according to CBI, it can be inferred that CBI teaches the students how to use the language and how the language is used in the real life. So, putting that point into consideration, using CBI as one of the basis in developing the English learning materials is deemed to be necessary.

2. Theories of Learning