Differences in Language and Culture
Language and culture work hand and hand. People from all over the plant have different perceptions of the world and environment based upon their cultural beliefs. Each culture has a specific way of doing things, traditions, beliefs, and morals. This is why it is so difficult for an immigrant or more specifically, an ELL student, to enter into an American school and immediately become comfortable with the American ways of doing things. Our culture and traditions often influence the way we learn and interpret instruction. Different words have different meanings in various languages, so this makes reading and language learning difficult for ELL students. Literature pieces presented in reading class often require the students to have some type of cultural understanding prior to reading as well. This would be extremely difficult for an ELL student being that they have not grown up in the United States and are not accustomed to our way of life.
Attitudes about certain things in culture are also something that can change across cultures. In some cultures, religion is a very important component to daily living. Also, the body language that individuals demonstrate is much different to those individuals that live here in the United States. In some countries, it is disrespectful to make eye contact when speaking to adults. In America, it is considered disrespectful to not look at an adult when they are speaking to you. All of these cultural differences are important to be aware of because as a teacher supporting an ELL student, you will need to know their background, language, culture, beliefs, and morals in order to provide them with the best possible learning experience.
Attitudes about certain things in culture are also something that can change across cultures. In some cultures, religion is a very important component to daily living. Also, the body language that individuals demonstrate is much different to those individuals that live here in the United States. In some countries, it is disrespectful to make eye contact when speaking to adults. In America, it is considered disrespectful to not look at an adult when they are speaking to you. All of these cultural differences are important to be aware of because as a teacher supporting an ELL student, you will need to know their background, language, culture, beliefs, and morals in order to provide them with the best possible learning experience.