Teacher Discussion Forums

[RozannaB]

Language and culture are closely linked. When teaching English, I think that is important to recognize that you may also be teaching the customs, traditions, values, and norms of that particular culture. In learning another language, you will most certainly take something from the culture of those that speak the language. For example, there are minor and major differences in the various dialects of the Arabic language and some of those differences are directly related to the culture of the region where that dialect is spoken. When I become an ESL teacher, I will be sure to recognize the include activities and strategies that will make a connection between language and culture. At the same time, I would also have to make sure the material in my lessons are not offensive to any of my students. I will have to be aware of the culture of my students. Does anyone have any good ideas for activities that bridge language and culture while being culturally sensitive at the same time?

[lek72]

Yes, I agree that as educators, especially ESL teachers, we need design lesson plans that capitalize on students' cultural groups and identities. We need to understand our students cultures so that we can teach them more effectively. Since language and culture are connected, we can use activities that help the students learn English as well as maintain their culture and L1.

Some of the examples are as follow: blogging on online (this activity allows them to freely write their ideas and thoughts in both L1 and L2) and culture presentation (this activity allows the students to research about their cultures and to present them to their classmates/teachers--SWBAT use the 4 language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing--and you will be able to learn more about your students' cultural backgrounds)