English–Spanish Cognates in Picture Books: Vocabulary Words for Latino English Language Learners

• In Event: 35.081 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 35.081-15 - Vocabulary SIG Roundtable Session

Abstract

English-Spanish cognates are words that are spelled similarly or identically and possess the same or nearly the same meanings in both languages. Since cognates are so similar to each other, language educators have long suggested using cognates to facilitate the learning of English by Latino English Language Learners (ELLs) especially since many cognates are academic vocabulary words.
The primary purpose of this investigation was to develop a list of cognates that could be used to create a K-4 vocabulary curriculum for Latino Ells. Cognates drawn from the study of 3,000 award-winning picture books in English, Spanish, or bilingual English/Spanish were compiled and ranked according to frequency and reading level.

Author

• Jose A. Montelongo, New Mexico State University