FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to James Cummins, what aspect of language learning is maintained in reading and listening?

1. Fluency in both languages

2. Native language

3. Vocabulary retention

4. Cognitive skills

The correct answer is: Native language

James Cummins emphasizes the importance of a learner's native language when discussing bilingual education and second language acquisition. In his work, he introduces the Interdependence Hypothesis, which posits that the skills, knowledge, and concepts acquired in a student's first language can positively transfer to their second language. This transfer can manifest in several ways, notably in reading and listening, where comprehension and contextual understanding are essential for effective communication. By maintaining proficiency in the native language, students improve their overall cognitive and linguistic capabilities, which supports their learning in both languages. This helps in developing literacy skills, as the ability to read and comprehend in the native language often lays a foundation for similar competencies in a second language. The other choices, while valuable aspects of language learning, do not focus specifically on the aspect Cummins indicates as crucial for reading and listening comprehension. Fluency, vocabulary retention, and cognitive skills are important but do not encapsulate Cummins' premise regarding the foundational role of the native language in supporting second language literacy skills.