The use of authentic materials in foreign language teaching on A1 level

Abstract

The following paper deals with the actual problem of authentic materials usage in foreign languages teaching on A1 level. The usage of authentic materials is regarded as one of the basic requirements of communicative approach meaning the highest possible likening of educative process to that of a real communication, and also as a precondition for sociocultural competence (an important part of communicative competence) development. As the main difficulty connected with authentic material usage (especially on A1 level) the problem of their deficient understanding by learners is regarded. The author gives a critical inquiry of widespread manner for easier authentic materials understanding through their preparatory methodic adaptation and makes arguments for uncontrolled materials usage (already on A1 level). While the main specialists handling this problem pay attention to possibilities of authentic materials usage on intermediate and advanced levels, the author analyzes their applying on A1 level. The author gives reasons for the importance and necessity of authentic materials usage with the beginners and formulates some concrete criteria for authentic materials selection on A1 level (based on Common European Framework of Reference: Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Russian Public Standard for Russian as a Foreign Language (Elementary Level A1)).