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.
I learned that literacy and language are two distinct concepts, and that each develops at different rates and levels. Therefore, it is essential to provide every student with opportunities to continue developing both their literacy and language skills without making assumptions about what they can or cannot do in a particular language.
Language and literacy is not a reflection of a student's ability to learn and be successful. Bi or multilanguage learners may need to lean on their "mother language" to help associate terms and ideas they are currently learning to help solidify the learning objectives/outcomes.
The neural pathways of a person who is bilingual or multilingual are different from a monolingual person. This fact can place the student in a different light and adds to the diversity of the group and could lead to different ways of thinking about a problem.
Allowing students access to their mother language may help students to understand concepts.
It is important for instructors to encourage use of their Mother tongue to enhance learning.
As an instructor it is important to know every student's language preference as this will aid in more effective learning and will provide students with needed resources to help with success.
It is important to respect all students independent of culture and language. All learn and develop at different stages.
Native language and the inability to provide literal translations can impact a student's ability to fully comprehend the course material
It is really important to allow students to access their mother tongue to learn the new language more accurately.
language and literacy are not interchangeable. As a teacher we must not think a student is struggling with ESL. It may not always be the case
True academic growth occurs when we separate linguistic access from literacy acquisition, ensuring every student has the tools and opportunity to comprehend and express complex ideas.
The importance of literacy and language should be used together to get the best outcome in the culture of language.
Language is not the same thing as literacy. Helping students have access to what they are learning in their mother tongue will help them understand the information and be able to apply it.
I have learned that language although similar, are not the same thing although at times used interchangeable.
Through this section I learned that language and literacy are not the same thing and that ones ability to communicate verbally verses through writing can vary greatly.
Language is essential in how others communicate, regardless of the methods they use (ASL, Written, expressive language). Accessibility and opportunity allow us to fill gaps in language and literacy.
I learned that language is a reflection of culture because it expresses people's beliefs, values, traditions and ways of life.
This module helped me better understand the importance of cultural awareness, diversity, and effective intercultural communication in education and healthcare. I learned that recognizing and respecting each person's unique background, experiences, and perspectives helps create a more inclusive environment and improves communication. I also learned that being aware of cultural differences is more effective than ignoring them because it allows us to better understand and meet the needs of others.
I appreciate that research is finally showing that bilingual students being forced (or colonized) away from their mother language when trying to learn within an English only environment is not effective and harmful.
