Language
and culture
Last Wednesday
4th I had the chance to take part into an important holiday in
U.S.A., it was a significant moment to me as English teacher. I think that
culture can´t be taught if there´s not any experience with that. I mean that
culture must be experienced in ourselves to get a clearer idea about others
customs and traditions have.
It is said that learning and teaching are social processes on the other hand, language and culture can´t be separated so it is an essential part of teaching. The relationship between language and culture is a complex one and it is always quite challenging and teachers need to pay specific attention into this topic. Mexican students are usually complaining about why they have to learn English and I consider that sometimes they are so ethnocentric, because they don´t show interestes in learning or knowing about others´culture.
Teaching culture is a challenging job but I can encourage my students if I tell them about my experience in the independence day in USA, I took pictures and recorded videos , I got authentic material for my students, and for me will be easier because is it not the same to google the information or read how it is celebrated than being there and give details about how it was celebrated. I was thinking how to use those materials with my children and next September 15th I will contrast both celebrations, mexican independence day and U.S.A. independence day , my students will reflect about both festivities and will find the similarities and diferences.
Today Lanier´s class was about culture and communication so I could contrast the theory with daily life, I conclude that Mexican cultural values are set mainly on a high context.
It is said that learning and teaching are social processes on the other hand, language and culture can´t be separated so it is an essential part of teaching. The relationship between language and culture is a complex one and it is always quite challenging and teachers need to pay specific attention into this topic. Mexican students are usually complaining about why they have to learn English and I consider that sometimes they are so ethnocentric, because they don´t show interestes in learning or knowing about others´culture.
Teaching culture is a challenging job but I can encourage my students if I tell them about my experience in the independence day in USA, I took pictures and recorded videos , I got authentic material for my students, and for me will be easier because is it not the same to google the information or read how it is celebrated than being there and give details about how it was celebrated. I was thinking how to use those materials with my children and next September 15th I will contrast both celebrations, mexican independence day and U.S.A. independence day , my students will reflect about both festivities and will find the similarities and diferences.
Today Lanier´s class was about culture and communication so I could contrast the theory with daily life, I conclude that Mexican cultural values are set mainly on a high context.
I love that you are taking a holiday in a real cultural context and connecting it to your teaching and your students' learning. It is fascinating to see that you have made that connection, and just by doing that, you will indeed enhance your students' learning. Also, your enthusiasm will inevitably make your students eager to learn more.
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