Language as a Reflection of Culture | Origin: ED137
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Cultural Diversity: Including Every Student --> Language as a Reflection of Culture
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Allowing a student to access their Mother Tongue to help in their learning is so important!
Agree with Mrs. Angela Zaugg.
My experiences with international students learning English....
Don't make fun of students bad pronunciation, instead help them learn the proper pronunciation.
Correct mistakes, help explain the meaning of words or the use of new words, and allow them to make similiarities with their mother tongue. Some foreign language words are pronounced/written similar to English or have same or very similar meaning.
Es muy importante reconocer, respetar y fomentar el aprendizaje en lengua materna. Además, no hay una lengua o cultura superior a otra.
Students can develop both literacy and language skills. Some students learning English may have highly-developed literary skills that do not immediately show up and therefor it is critical to be aware.
Each individual speaks his own language whereas culture is set of patterns in a cummunity dress, laws, customs
Different language maybe spoken by a person in a different culture
Allowing someone to speak and use their "mother tongue" to help them in different literary and dialogue situations will help with their success in learning a new langugage/lieracy.
Teachers can and should encourage emergent bilingual students to use their mother tongue in order to transfer meaning in academic settings. I think this module so far has missed the opportunity to encourage teachers to frame bilingualism and multilingualism as assets in the workplace, rather than deficits in the classroom. Hopefully this is coming next.
maintaining yourown language while learning another will make it easier
The difference between language and literacy was enlightening. I'll keep that in mind when working with ESL students, and try to assist them with their English language and literacy skills.
We should allow students to express themselves in their "mother language", if this helps them to learn.
The importance to recognize that a multilanguage class should be promoted, students with a mother tong other than english, should be encourage to use it as support, and when needed. Recognizing that we live in a diverse society which enreaches society as a whole. Accepting multilingual, is a sign of respect for each individual's culture. It is also important for education institutions, to have some bilingual teachers. Our goal as instructors is to pass on our knowledge to students, and, if for their anderstanding it means, supporting them in their mother tong, it must be done.
Even if the academic program in in English only, it would be great to have a bi-lingual instructor or student who could assist students with understanding.
Sometimes it is difficult for ESL students to comprehend the material in a group situation, but with a little patience and some 1 on 1 after lecture time, I find that they can comprehend the material better. It also helps to have a supportivr group of classmates who will help that person to understand. So I guess if you can help foster a culture in the class where everyone is supportivethen that can make all teh difference
Language and literacy are key components of teaching and learning for all students.
I learned that students who are speaking and learning English as a second language will still need to utilize their "mother tongue" or thier native tongue as part their learning process. Also, even if. as a professor, I am bilingual, and that will increase a level of comfortability for the student; the student must still be required to complete assignment using the English language if that is the dominant language.
We have to avoid making assumptions about ESL and ELL learners because of their skills in the English language. Recognizing their cultural differences and facilitating their learning should be the priority of the instructor.
Culture, and language is are essential parts of education development. Students should be allowed to use their "mother tongue" to help them with their learning abilities.
