Language

Hayley Bunnell Jenna HagertyLauren Lubitz

CHAPTER 7

What is language?

LANGUAGE By definition, language is a system of

vocal sounds and/or nonverbal systems by which group members communicate with one another (i.e. French, English, and Spanish).

Language provides a common bond for individuals with the same linguistic heritage. It can also play a key role in providing a national sense of identity.

There are many forms of language whether it be spoken language or non-verbal language like sign language.

LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES There are literally

thousands of languages that are known in the world today.

The greater the difference between groups, the greater the tendency towards language differences.

Some difference in language include:• Bilingualism • Accents • Dialects (Regional, and

social) • Grammatical differences,

(different way of spelling certain words, that have the same meaning).

• Bidialectcalism- the ability to speak two or more dialects.

• Sign language- People who are deaf use this to communicate.

DIALECTS

Nonstandard dialect: the same language but a different pronunciation from what is considered standard. • An example of this would be “Black

English”/“Ebonics” which is a dialect of the majority of Black Americans, though not all.

Dialects are provincial, rural, or socially distinct variety of language that differ from the standard language, especially when considered as a substandard. • Dialects are usually determined by region or social

class.• Spoken language and dialects can even be different

from school to school.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Language is culturally determined and often defines who

the person is in many ways. Language, together with dialect, is usually related to one’s

ethnic, geographic, gender, or class origins.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE AWARENESS ACTIVITY On the handout given, see if you can

identify for each word or phrase the language, a culture or two in which it is used, and what the word or phrase is.

See if you can figure it out individually first, and then compare and help each other in your small groups.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION Nonverbal communication can be just as

important in the total communication process.

How we appear to others is a form of nonverbal communication and can, therefore, be considered as a part of our communication or language.

Cultural differences can have profound implications on how individuals interact nonverbally.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

SIGN LANGUAGE

We’re going to teach you some sign language and play sign language BINGO. Make sure to pay attention, NO TALKING!

ACTIVITY

American Sign Language (ASL) has been developed and used by persons who are deaf.

ASL is the only sign language recognized as a language in its own right, rather than a variation of spoken English. It is a scripted form of nonverbal communication.

“WWYD” SIGN LANGUAGE VIDEO

LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM All the cultural influences and

differences in language lead to an even greater diversity in the classroom.

There are many challenges this diversity creates for teachers and schools, but there are also many tools available that can aid both educators and students.

Understanding these the role of language in instruction allows for success in and out of the classroom.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Characteristics of ELL students:

• Non-English speakers• Most common ELL languages are Spanish,

Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and French but varies by state.

• Often at a socioeconomic disadvantage compared to non-ELL peers.

• Both foreign and U.S. born (most born in the United States but with 80% of their parents born outside of the country).

IMPORTANCE OF “ELL” PROGRAMS

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND PROFICIENCY Most children acquire their first language

naturally through constant interaction with their parents or significant others.

Knowledge of their first language plays an important role in the process of acquiring and learning a second language.

Basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS) are adequate everyday conversational skills, but are inadequate to function in high-level academic situations.

Cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) is higher level proficiency acquired in highly structured academic settings.

BILINGUAL EDUCATION Bilingual education is the use of two

languages in school – by teachers or students or both – for a variety of social and pedagogical purposes.

Through proper educational programming, however, children with limited English proficiency can receive the education which they are entitled.

It is supported by federal legislation that requires schools to address the linguistic needs of their students from diverse backgrounds but it’s still debated.

DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION FOR ALL LANGUAGE LEARNERS The ability of U.S. educators to recognize

and appreciate the value of different language groups will, to some extent, determine the effectiveness of our education system.

Supporting cultural and linguistic diversity is important in education.

What are some techniques you might use in the classroom to work with students whose foundations are in different languages?

Whatever the nature of the difference, make sure everyone has a way to contribute and communicate

Use alternative or augmentative communication means, such as pictures, manual signs, or voice output devices.

Understand the differences in nonverbal communications within cultures so that you do not offend anyone.

TECHNIQUES/SOLUTIONS

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”

‒Rita Mae Brown