Palabras de Caramelo (2002) as a multilingual medium in Spanish education at Norwegian upper secondary school

Abstract

This article explores how Gonzalo Moure's multilingual children's book Palabras de Caramelo (2002) can be used as a resource in Spanish language teaching in Norwegian upper secondary schools. The book, which includes Arabic words within a Spanish context, can be utilized to enhance students' metalinguistic competence and awareness of language learning strategies, particularly compensation strategies. Through practical activities such as creating word lists and engaging in linguistic production, students can develop a deeper understanding of multilingualism as a resource for language learning. In a reality where Norwegian children's reading skills and enjoyment of reading are in decline, it is crucial that foreign languages also contribute to exposing students to literary texts in education. This article provides insight into how multilingual literature can contribute to this important educational mission.