As you are working with an adult learning to speak English, pronunciation will often be part of your lessons. While pronunciation is important, it is also key to teach it with an awareness and understanding of the person’s home language and culture. Remember, the goal of teaching English isn’t to erase the person’s history, but to enhance their opportunities in the future.
To begin with, be sure you are prioritizing getting to know your students and building a relationship with them. While researching their culture is important, nothing can replace learning about their own priorities and experiences. Try to determine what matters most to your student. For example, is pronunciation important to them because they are embarrassed or because they want to be able to communicate on a specific topic.
In some cases, pronunciation may not even be a priority for the student at this time. It may be more important to that student that they can read information from their child’s school. Knowing this can help you plan better for helping your student reach goals.
To begin with, be sure you are prioritizing getting to know your students and building a relationship with them. While researching their culture is important, nothing can replace learning about their own priorities and experiences. Try to determine what matters most to your student. For example, is pronunciation important to them because they are embarrassed or because they want to be able to communicate on a specific topic.
In some cases, pronunciation may not even be a priority for the student at this time. It may be more important to that student that they can read information from their child’s school. Knowing this can help you plan better for helping your student reach goals.
Part of being culturally sensitive is to consider the context in which your student is learning. This includes considering their work schedule, family commitments, and religious affiliation. Your student may be working extra shifts, caring for more than one generation in their household, or in a season of fasting. While some of these experiences are common across cultures, some may be particularly pressing in your student’s culture.
As often as possible, find ways to continue cultivating the student’s culture. Whether it is asking them to share a tradition or favorite dish, making opportunities for students to share their culture honors their history while also encouraging them to maintain those parts of their past. Students come with rich experiences that need to be preserved, not replaced. You are a key player in helping to do just that.
Be sure you understand cultural norms and taboos for your student, while also sharing some of yours. While your student may not be offended, it demonstrates respect that you know it is impolite to do certain things in their culture. Explaining local culture can also help students feel less alienated in their daily lives.
