English-Spanish Cognates in Trade Books: Content and Quantity

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  In Roundtable Session: Vocabulary Learning Across the Spectrum

Abstract

English-Spanish cognates are words that are spelled similarly or identically and possess the same or nearly the same meanings in both languages. Many cognates are academic vocabulary words. Thus, elementary school teachers can help English Learners recognize cognates through read-alouds of trade books.
Two studies of trade books were conducted to determine their English-Spanish cognate content. Both studies found significant numbers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 cognates that could be used to teach cognate recognition strategies. Furthermore, it was found that trade books written in Spanish contain more unique cognates than those written in English.

Authors

• Jose A. Montelongo, Canutillo Independent School District

• Anita C. Hernandez, New Mexico State University