
Talk Reform
Explorations in Language for Infant School Children
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 8. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
148 pages
978-1-041-00898-9 (ISBN)
Description
Originally published in 1970, Talk Reform describes the development of an exploratory language enrichment programme devised by the authors and carried out by teachers in a group of primary schools in a working-class area of London.
Inspired by Bernstein's theory of different language codes and their relation to educational underachievement, the authors devised a series of situations in the classroom as preconditions for extending language use. Their aim was to reorient the reader to the social functions of language, so that teachers who understood the ideas behind this programme would be able to carry out the activities described as well as those they may have thought up for themselves. The kinds of problems encountered when trying to judge the value of intervention and change in the classroom are discussed and illustrated, from the authors' own research. The authors put forward the view that the social and linguistic skills that could be acquired in the way outlined in their book were crucial to the advancement of the working-class child in the social system. Today it can be read in its historical context.
Inspired by Bernstein's theory of different language codes and their relation to educational underachievement, the authors devised a series of situations in the classroom as preconditions for extending language use. Their aim was to reorient the reader to the social functions of language, so that teachers who understood the ideas behind this programme would be able to carry out the activities described as well as those they may have thought up for themselves. The kinds of problems encountered when trying to judge the value of intervention and change in the classroom are discussed and illustrated, from the authors' own research. The authors put forward the view that the social and linguistic skills that could be acquired in the way outlined in their book were crucial to the advancement of the working-class child in the social system. Today it can be read in its historical context.
Reviews / Votes
Reviews for the original edition:'Will interest primary school teachers who are concerned with developing the language skills of their pupils; research workers in education; and all those who are intrigued by Bernstein's theory of language development.' - Durham Research Review
'Describes an exploratory language enrichment programme carried out by teachers in a group of primary schools in a working-class area of London. It is not overloaded with jargon and it has plenty of practical suggestions for teachers.' - Education
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Adult education, General, and Postgraduate
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-00898-9 (9781041008989)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2025
Routledge
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Available for download

Book
05/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€121.20
Shipment within 15-20 days

E-Book
05/2025
Routledge
€73.99
Available for download
Content
Foreword by Basil Bernstein. Preface. 1. Who's for Tennis? 2. On the Site 3. Questions and Questions 4. Talk Reform 5. Behind the Scenes 6. Evaluation: Theoretical 7. Evaluation: Practical 8. A Spot of Revolution. Postscript by Basil Bernstein. Appendix 1-3. References.