For pupils who use EAL, the role of talk in English is important not only to their subject learning, but to their developing English language proficiency. And it is precisely this proficiency which will ultimately influence their level of attainment (Strand & Hessel, 2018).
In an English as an Additional Language (EAL) context, language is often divided into social and academic. Emphasis is rightly awarded to the academic vocabulary and structures needed to access curriculum content and, ultimately, pass exams. However, the social aspect of language, with its links to wellbeing and belonging, is equally important, especially to early stage and recently arrived learners using EAL, who are adjusting to a new culture and host community.
In order to develop social language in English pupils need to be in social situations where English is used, be that in playgrounds, clubs, extra-curricular activities, or group activities in lessons. Social language is initiated through talk, and this develops along a continuum into written language and more formal speech.
