தமிழ் வகுப்பறையில் மாணவர் அடையாளமும் தன்னம்பிக்கையுடன் பேசுதலும்: Student Identity and Speaking with Confidence in the Tamil Classroom

முனைவர் உமையாளம்பிகை இராமகிருஷ்ணன்

doi:10.63300/kijts06022026.40

Authors

Dr Umayalambigai Ramakrishnan Teaching Fellow, Asian Languages & Cultures, National Institute of Education, Singapore. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/kijts06022026.40

Keywords:

Classroom discourse analysis, Standard Spoken Tamil, linguistic identity, diglossia, language acquisition, Singapore education, pedagogical scaffolding, minority language education

Abstract

This paper examines the critical role of classroom discourse in shaping the social and linguistic identities of students within the Singaporean Tamil education landscape. Drawing on the framework of classroom discourse analysis proposed by Rymes (2016), this study explores how teacher-student interaction and the utilization of Standard Spoken Tamil (SST) facilitate a supportive environment for language acquisition and the development of student confidence. The research highlights the challenges faced by minority-community students in navigating diglossic language demands and emphasizes the importance of the teacher's role in creating a pedagogical space that bridges home and school language practices. By reviewing historical and contemporary perspectives on SST, the paper argues that integrating SST into classroom pedagogy is essential for fostering a positive linguistic identity, enabling students to communicate with assurance both within and beyond the classroom. The findings suggest that when teachers provide scaffolded opportunities for oral engagement through varied pedagogical tasks, students are better equipped to overcome linguistic anxiety, ultimately ensuring the vitality of the Tamil language in Singapore.

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Author Biography

Dr Umayalambigai Ramakrishnan, Teaching Fellow, Asian Languages & Cultures, National Institute of Education, Singapore.

முனைவர் உமையாளம்பிகை இராமகிருஷ்ணன், கற்பித்தல் புலமையாளர், ஆசிய மொழிகள் மற்றும் பண்பாட்டுகள் துறை, தேசியக் கல்விக்கழகம், சிங்கப்பூர்.

Dr Umayalambigai Ramakrishnan, Teaching Fellow, Asian Languages & Cultures, National Institute of Education, Singapore.

Email: umayalambigai.r@nie.edu.sg

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