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.
The module claims language and culture are interchangeable, but it's bigger than that. New Zealand, USA, and UK all have the same language, but different cultures.
Some individuals who speak different languages may become insecure if they have an accent. As an instructor, it's important to make an effort to include everyone in conversations so these students don't feel left out.
Be aware of languages and literacy, strengths and weaknesses
One's monolinguistic proficiency is not a good bench march for judging a person's cognitive ability, as multilinguistic people often are more cognitively apt.
Because students are multilingual and culturally diverse, understanding culture and language differences enhance student learning. It includes them in conversation and often clarifies what they are learning.
It is important as educators that we understand that those learning in a language that is different than their first, that they have adequate access to resources in their primary language. If a person is not fluent in the language they are expected to learn in, we must ensure that they have access to resources that they need to not only understand the content but the language in which it is being presented.
We need to understand culture and language are interdependent and can help in the learning process. Students needs support.
You must know if the student in your class is using English as their first language of if it is a part of multi-languages. This helps the instructor to better understanding the student or students in their class. Different cultures express the use of different languages. It is a good idea to know this of your students.
Its important to know if english is a second language so you can be aware of this to make sure you make adjustments to help these student learn the subjects
Taking into consideration the secondary language is usually the weaker language, it is not reflective of the students' ability to learn or their mastering the subject. These students use both languages while taking a course.
There is a positive correlation between allowing bilingual students to incorporate English and their mother tongue in their learning journey. The students may demonstrate different proficiency levels in the spoken vs written application of a language regardless of how many languages the student knows.
Bilingual education is not confusing. Being open to language that might not be traditional can aid teaching.
Students have different learning differences and goals, and instructors cannot assume that they are all on the same learning journey. Languages, cultures, and other diversities can truly enrich a learning experience for the entire group if they are respected and even integrated in some way.
I learned how language and literacy are different, and how one can be fluent in a language, but lack knowledge in the use of that language academically. This definition is helpful, as it helps break the assumption that someone who speaks a language fluently does not need help developing their literacy throughout any course I may teach.
I have been reminded/learned that language and literacy are not inherently dependent upon one another. As a nurse and soon to be instructor I take care of many ESL and non-English speaking people. I have to remind myself that just because they cannot write or read in English, does not indicate in any way they are illiterate. Just as someone who speaks fluent, competent English, they can be illiterate or not have an elevated sense of reading and writing in their primary language. I also learned that bi/multilingual people SHOULD utilize their known languages to help learn English.
Just because a person first language is English, it does not always equal to a highly developed academic language proficiency. ELL and ESL students differ in language but not proficiency. They both may struggle with adapting the English Language into their daily lives. It is not for us to judge them but be patient with them and teach them according to their learning level.
Language is a reflection of culture, so when a person’s language is suppressed, it can also suppress their culture and make the student feel that their home culture doesn’t matter.
Language is complex and just because someone has difficulty speaking a language it does not mean they don't comprehend it. People process information differently and it may be helpful to include other ways to learn information especially if someone is an ESL student.
