Linguistic and Interactional Modifications

The debate over using simplified versus authentic reading materials in foreign language classes has been a controversial issue among language teaching researchers for a long time. Proponents of authentic materials argue that authentic texts are more motivating and develop good reading habits. Proponents of simplified materials, on the other hand, contend that authentic materials are not suitable for students with limited language proficiency.This book offers a new solution to this problem by suggesting that it is possible to use authentic texts in foreign language classes by fostering student-initiated interaction.Therefore, foreign language teachers can safely take authentic texts to their classes without manipulating them through simplification, provided that they can encourage learners to initiate classroom interaction by generating their own questions.