A language is a system of sounds, vocabulary, semantics, syntax, and conventions for use. A language evolves as it is influenced by changes in society, other languages, and technological innovations. Language is basic to human life as it enables people to preserve historical and cultural traditions and to generate and communicate ideas and emotions as listeners, speakers, readers, viewers and writers.
Most students come to school knowing the rudiments of language.
As students progress through their education, they extend their use of the English language with continuous practice, adapting language to a variety of formal and informal situations. Facility with language enhances student competence in all academic areas. Through systematic study, students come to understand the structure of English and regularly apply conventions of standard English spelling, mechanics, grammar and usage. For a detailed description of Bolded and Italicized terms, click here . These indicators are also cross-referenced by number with the Maryland Learning Outcomes.