The importance of allowing access to the students' mother tongue to aid in learning new languages such as English.
This section explained how language is the form and literacy is the use or the uses of that form. Language is a way of communicating ideas of feelings by sounds, gestures, etc. Literacy refers to the ability to use the language .
The spoken word is necessary to illustrate culture.
It is important to remember that language skills do not necessarily reflect literacy. I have 3 nephews who are bilingual and when learning English were embarrassed when they got words wrong because people thought they weren't very smart. I strive to ensure ESL and ELL students are recognized and never embarrassed in my classroom.
Understanding that the "mother tongue" for bilingual/multilingual students plays an important role in their successful learning in English. As the instructor it is important to recognize this and also to assist students who may need additional language resources to be successful in your course.
to me, language as a reflection of culture means using someone's verbal and/or written communication to understand more about the individual's culture.
It also should be noted that receptive language develops first, and expressive language will tend to lag, so a student may understand more than they can express verbally (or in writing which is a literacy skill).
Promote language literacy
I love the concept of how new pathways in the mind are opened in the bilingual learner.
The ablility to speak multiple languages gives students both advantages and disadvantages. It is our job as instructors to cause this to become a strength in their lives.
Comment on Marvin Smith's post:
Challenging concepts that allow us the opportunity to learn every day
The understanding that ,"bilinguals use and learn language in ways that change their minds and brains, which has consequences -- many positive, according to Judith F. Kroll, a Penn State cognitive scientist.", is a factor to keep in mind to in a positive way, push harder for learning outcomes
In an educational setting, teachers can use language to foster a greater understanding of cultural diversity. We can encourage students to share words, phrases, or stories from their home languages, study literature from different cultures, or learn about other languages' cultural norms and values. This not only enhances linguistic skills but also fosters cultural sensibility and respect among students.
Understanding language and literacy is crucial for instructors teaching diverse groups because it enables effective communication and ensures all students can access and comprehend the material, regardless of their primary language.
having a respect for other people languages preferences, strenghts, and challenges can create a more supportive learning environment.
Language is a reflection of culture and that is why it is so integral to the teaching environment. What you say and the language you use affects the classroom culture.
You can't understand a culture without first learning a language.
The linguistic code and framework of the mother tongue will help the student learn the new language more accurately.
That when a student is multi lingual they are not only learning a new concept of what is being taught but learning it in the different languages too.
This was informative regarding ESL and gave me idea's on how to utilize this in the classroom.
This module helped me examine how I approach students who are ESL learners. I need to encourage students to continue to use their "mother tongue" as they learn English.
