Orality in secondary education: Law and textbooks about Spanish Language and Literature

Abstract

This paper focuses on oral dimension of language in secondary education in Spain. For this purpose, it is make a background on the studies about oral language, in special on oral discourse genres as debate, interview, gathering or even conversation. Then, we investigate the legislation that regulates high school education, both nationally and in the autonomy of Andalusia. Some textbooks on Spanish Language and Literature are reviewed, noting the contents that refer to the oral facet of language. As most important conclusion it is note that secondary education is often instructs students on the written dimension of language, so that the content and activities to promote oral are almost an exception; this situation in textbooks contrasts current legislation, which insists on providing oral communication skills to students.