What is the difference between a Home Language and a First Additional Language?
The main difference between a Home Language (HL) and a First Additional Language (FAL) is the level of proficiency required for each subject. The content of a First Additional Language is designed for learners who do not speak the language as their mother tongue, whereas a Home Language caters for learners who grew up speaking the language as their first language.
Home Language curriculums require a higher degree of language proficiency and focus on:
- Developing advanced language skills
- Literary analysis
- Critical thinking
- Creative writing
On the other hand, a First Additional Language aims to help learners communicate effectively with practical language skills and focuses on:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Comprehension
The critical differences between a First Additional Language and a Home Language lie in the level of difficulty, content, and assessment methods. Learners who take Home Language are expected to have a deeper understanding of the language and literature, while First Additional Language students focus more on practical language skills. This is demonstrated by the fact that a Home Language is evaluated using stricter criteria, and Home Language learners are expected to write longer essays and evaluate materials of more complexity than learners with a First Additional Language.
It is important to note that both courses are designed to prepare learners for the same final examination, and the difference lies in the level of difficulty and intensity of the course material.