California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

In the context of bilingual language learning, cognates are defined as words that have similar spelling, pronunciation, and often meaning in two languages. This shared similarity can facilitate vocabulary acquisition and comprehension for learners who are navigating between their primary language and the target language. Understanding cognates helps students make connections between languages, allowing them to draw upon their existing knowledge when encountering new vocabulary.

For instance, consider the English word "information" and its cognate "información" in Spanish. Both words share similar forms and meanings, enabling learners to recognize and understand their use in both languages more easily. This alignment assists learners in expanding their vocabulary with relative ease, leveraging their knowledge of one language to enhance their mastery of another.