Use context as a clue to the meanings of foreign expressions

Key Notes:

Definition of Context:

• Explain that context refers to the words, sentences, or passages that surround a particular word or phrase and help clarify its meaning.

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Types of Context Clues:

• Definition Clues: Sometimes the meaning of a foreign expression is directly provided in the text.
• Synonym/Antonym Clues: Words with similar or opposite meanings can give hints about the foreign expression.
• Example Clues: Examples can illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar expression.
• General Sense of the Passage: Overall context can help deduce the meaning based on the situation or theme.

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Identifying Context Clues:

• Teach students to look for signal words and phrases that often accompany definitions, examples, and explanations, such as “means,” “refers to,” “such as,” “for example,” “including,” “especially,” etc.

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Using Context to Infer Meaning:

• Encourage students to read the surrounding sentences carefully to gather hints.
• Teach them to ask questions like: What is happening in the passage? What is the main idea? How does this word or phrase fit into the overall context?

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Multiple Strategies:

• Emphasize that using multiple strategies together (definition, synonym, antonym, example, general sense) can enhance understanding.
• Encourage students to confirm their inferred meanings by looking up the foreign expression if needed.

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Importance of Cultural Context:

• Explain that understanding the cultural background can provide additional context. For example, knowing that “sushi” is a Japanese dish can help understand its meaning in a passage about Japanese cuisine.

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Building Vocabulary:

• Highlight that encountering and deciphering foreign expressions expands vocabulary and enhances reading comprehension skills.
• Encourage students to note down and remember the meanings of new expressions they encounter.

let’s practice!