Creative Fluency vs. Creative Accuracy

The author of  Writing Creatively in Another Language Gill James, believes that even beginner learners can be creative in the way they use a foreign language. I agree, and place fluency, which allows for creativity, as a first objective in my classroom, over accuracy. A controversial stance, perhaps. And that’s not to say that I permit repetitive grammatical errors. But I do think that a sturdy foundation cannot contain fear, or embarrassment, of breaking the rules. Instead a firm foundation in language learning, is one of confidence, is one of experimentation, and one of risk. Using learnt language creatively is a tool (for) reinforcing that language (James, 2006).  It’s only when students feel comfortable enough to express themselves, either written or verbally, in a fluent way, that we have something to work with, something to correct, something to make ‘more accurate’.

Creativity begins with Beginners

A learner can be creative with their language when they only have a little to play with (James, 2006). It’s true. I do feel like I have full conversations with my five year-olds: “Teacher! What?” says Teddy, with a frown and shrugging shoulders to match, jabbing his finger enthusiastically at the classbook. I got it!  Don’t say anymore! The verbal and non-verbal cues combine to convey, “What you were saying just now was very eloquent, and I wanted to listen to your instructions, but Jeffrey was sticking a pencil in my ear, and hence I did not quite catch which exercises we are supposed to complete now.” OK, perhaps I was reading more into the physical cues, than the actual words he said. But all that to say, I find my young learners incredible capable and communicative, even when in possession of a limited vocabulary database.

Creativity with Chinese Characteristics

Celebrate what you do know, not what you don’t, is the take-away from James’ article. And I do take this to heart, especially as I tackle the task of learning Chinese. I do feel limited. I can’t say anything. And yet, I am in possession of more than 1500 words. That should be plenty to get on with. So I think I good way to capitalise on what I do know, is by recycling and reformulating those news words into something creative. A post using Chinese characters is coming soon!

References

James, G. (2006), Writing Creatively in Another Language