After viewing the video, I was appalled at how the deli workers acted toward migrant workers because they did not speak English. When I become a full-time teacher, I know I may encounter some of these same attitudes from other teachers, parents, and even students. As the O’Grady chapter outlined, there are various reasons as to why people speak using different dialects and mixed languages, and other members of our communities need to be educated about immigrants. I hear about the focus on illegal immigration a lot in my area, but I would also like if people can become aware about legal immigration as well. Perhaps parents and educators in the area need to attend seminars on how to be more accepting of people of other cultures because I have encountered many people who think that because a person does not know English that he or she is illegal (It would be helpful if the seminars were offered in our area!). If we are supposed to live as a community, then we need to start acting like one. If I encounter people who are prejudice, whether in my profession or in everyday life, I will try to inform them about differences in languages and cultures and how we must appreciate the positive impact various languages and cultures can provide. When communicating with parents of ELLs I will use visuals and translators to aid in communication because I want parents and students to know my classroom is a community-based environment.
Activity 2
As an educator, using resources such as the PBS website will help me to educate my students who speak using various dialects. The information on myths and realities of dialects is especially useful; I think if students are informed that there is no right or wrong dialect, they will become confident in speaking English. The information can also be used to teach them about different dialects around the U.S. and what dialects are appropriate in certain situations.
No comments:
Post a Comment