“A learner can be creative with their language when they only have a little to play with” (James, 2006).

Creativity with Beginners

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. Using learnt language creatively is a tool (for) reinforcing that language (James, 2006). Even when in possession of a limited vocabulary database, it is important to capitalise on what you know, by recycling and reformulating old and new words into something creative. If teachers can help students feel comfortable enough to express themselves, either written or verbally, they can start to take risks (Brown, 1994). And it is through this experimental environment of trial and error, that a second language may be acquired.

References

Brown, D. (1994) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (3rd Edition). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

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