What does Authentica mean?
In the world of language learning, Authentica (or realia) refers to materials sourced from the real world, in contrast to carefully-structured and scaffolded textbooks. Realia for adult English language learning is excerpts from magazines, videos, transcripts, podcasts, newspapers, white papers, schedules, contracts, maps, graphs, diagrams or infographics.
When it comes to language acquisition, textbooks are prescriptive ~ how language should be ~ whereas studying real life materials is descriptive – how language actually works.
For English learners crossing the intermediate plateau, tackling (dealing with, trying to get past) real world written and audio/video content is a rewarding path forward and upward.
Intended Audience
This website speaks to adult language learners. I write specifically for intermediate plateau adult learners who are not specialists in the terminology of grammar, or language learning. Most students are familiar with terms like tense, noun, verb, helping verb, phrasal verb, clauses, adverbs, conditionals, lessons, exercises, tests, flash cards, spaced repetition software like Anki or the gamification of learning like Duolingo. To get to C1 that is always “on”, you don’t need to become a professional linguist but you will benefit from developing from thinking about learning, thinking about language, thinking about how meaning is created i.e. taking a meta-cognitive approach to acquiring accuracy and fluency in spoken and written expression. Learners wanting to score well on exams like IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP benefit from understanding the vocabulary test designers and examiners use; it informs how you learn and what you focus on.
Benefits of the Authentica approach
— materials are relevant, motivating and challenging
— ongoing expert assessment of your progress
— regular opportunities for high quality speaking practice
— review and recycling of past content
—a knowledge rich program that teaches language embedded in cultural and STEAM content
— just-in-time grammar micro teaching based on your specific errors and gaps
— expert advice on online tools, textbooks, exam prep materials, apps
— a sympathetic interlocutor who gives you time to think, speak, repeat, extend, explain
— gentle negotiation of meaning smoothly integrated into meaningful conversations
— group discussions with other learners (depending on availability)
History
Authentica was established as a registered Ontario business in 2013 in order to promote the use of transcripts for adult language learning. Back then, the use of transcripts for Youtube wasn’t happening; I was paying professional transcriptionists to manually transcribe video clips and I later bought a foot peddle and software to produce the transcripts myself! I had an initial period of incubation and support in the Ontario Self Employment Benefit (OSEB) program as I transitioned from a Workforce Specialist role in the Canadian Workplace Communications program for newcomers at Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) into self-employment.
Teacher
A Canadian Cambridge DipTEFLA teacher and former IELTS Speaking and Writing Examiner. Two decades of teaching experience in classrooms and online, with learners from age 2 to 72 whose native languages include French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Hebrew, Czech, Polish, Belorussian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic. A few years in Toronto in newcomer-serving roles; job developer, LINC supply teaching, the volunteer sector. Cross-cultural experience includes visits to China, Thailand and working in Japan and S Korea. I’ve also visited the UK, the US and Australia.