What role do cognates play in learning English for Spanish-speaking ELLs according to teachers?

Cognates are words in two languages that have a similar origin and meaning, often making them visually or phonetically similar. For Spanish-speaking ELLs, these similarities can significantly aid in vocabulary acquisition and comprehension of English.

When teachers recognize and leverage cognates, they enable students to make connections between the languages they already know and the new language they are learning. This helps to foster a more efficient learning experience, as students can expand their English vocabulary more quickly by relating new words to familiar ones in Spanish. For instance, the Spanish word "información" is a cognate with the English word "information." This connection can enhance understanding and retention of new vocabulary.

By using cognates, teachers can also facilitate comprehension of more complex texts, as recognizing familiar words allows students to grasp meanings more effectively and engage with content at a deeper level. Overall, this approach supports a positive learning environment where students feel confident in their growing language skills.