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B. The Review of Realia
1. The Definition of Realia
Gower et all 1995, p.212 defines realia in language teaching is actual object or items which are brought into a classroom as example or as aids to be
talked or written about. Murcia in www.usingenglish.comweblog
defines realia is objects or any origin used to illustrate vocabulary and structure in L2.
Furthermore, realia in EFL refers to any real objects we use in the classroom to bring the class to life. Stated by Heaton in Allen 1983, realia is associative
bridge between the classroom and the language. In foreign language teaching instruction, the term of realia has broader
meaning. Although realia is any origin objects brought into classroom as teaching aids, but some items represent it can be included as realia. Smith in
http:enwikipedia.orgwiki stated that realia consists of actual objects or items
facsimiles thereof, which are used in the classroom to illustrate and teach vocabulary or to serve as an aid to facilitate language acquisition and production.
Realia does not necessarily something tangible and further agree that something which is brought into the classroom digitally still counts as realia. As long as the
items concerned is a true facsimiles thereof a piece of realia and the integrity and practical authenticity is preserved, the item can be considered as realia.
From the definition above, it can be concluded that realia is all original objects and the items represent them which are used to illustrate topicmaterial
talked about into concrete or real situation. For example when teaching the topic about animal and transportation, the teacher can use the animal toys or picture,
transportation toys, and etcetera. When teaching about a country, the teacher can use map, the flag of the country, photos or video about this country.
2. The Characteristics of Realia
Bierbaum in http:palimsest.standford.edu
listed some characteristics of realia. They are:
a. They are related to the real world. 16
commit to user b. They are usually more portable and accessible than the whole environment
they present. c. They can be touched, manipulated and observed.
d. They are often inexpensive and readily obtained. e. They are almost infinitely various.
f. They are versatile, and may fill several learning objectives or educational
recreational needs. g. They are often meaningful without language.
h. They combine elements of instruction and recreational and appeal to the cognitive and affective domains.
i. They may lead from the general to the particular, or the reserve.
3. The Advantages of Using Realia in Teaching Vocabulary
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