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Language Divide
Yesterday I struggled. I struggled with a class that I had been asked to speak to in English about New Zealand. This is the second time I have struggled with a class over the past week – both classes of students were about the same age. They were also the same age as my students back in New Zealand – 11 and 12 years old. I found myself wondering why on earth I was doing this, when I could be listening to and practising Español in another class. I thought that handing out the postcards and the calendars with beautiful pictures might make a difference, as would the various NZ$ notes and coins I had with me. But both increased the noise level and “silliness” severely. I contemplated packing up and walking out, but my professionalism and my New Zealand pride would not allow me.
Now, as I reflect on why I struggled with the very age group I love teaching, I try to imagine how interested my students in New Zealand would be with a native Spanish speaker who spoke very little English and arrived in front of their class to speak in Español. As I do that, I begin to understand – but just a little. As an 11 or 12 year old, having a very limited amount of Spanish, I would struggle to understand what the visitor was saying, let alone be able to put together questions to ask them. It would be hard to concentrate for a long time when the words spoken do not make very much sense – (as it is for me when the people around me are speaking very fast in Spanish). BUT is there no value, importance or interest to this age level, for a chance to speak to a native English speaker and find out first hand about another country? Are they not far enough along their own English learning journey to relish the chance to converse with someone who speaks English as a first language? Are they not stakeholders in the conversation? Or is it purely the age?
No matter what the answer/answers, as a teacher, I would be very embarrassed if my students called out or shouted at the visitor all at once, or began to chatter away while the visitor was answering someone’s question. No matter what language you speak, manners, consideration and simple politeness can considerably decrease the divide the lack of language causes in communication – don’t you think? And then I read this ………… http://educatingthedragon.edublogs.org/2008/04/08/the-great-unspoken/
How embarrassed and disappointed I feel. I don´t know what to say. Your thoughts and/or comments would be appreciated.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Well I think you are very brave to be there in the first place talking to the class!! It is a pity there was not the children’s regular teacher there to help you out a bit. It is never easy in a classroom different to your own – let alone not being able to speak the language either!!
April 9th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
We all feel a bit that way at times.
But I agree- courtesy is something that transcends cultures I would have thought. Where was their teacher?
April 9th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Hey you,
I remember being 13 and having the French exchange students over. They were like… fluent in English, slow but fluent and made me feel really bad. I was hopeless at langauages,still am. Perhaps its how long they have been learning English and with what intensity, But your Spanish is fine. They should be more polite. Hard though, as you say , with picking up little bits of understanding. I was like that when I first arrived in NZ…. funny accent you’s fellas have, eh?
April 13th, 2008 at 1:11 am
How disappointing for you!! And I do really feel for you. Having felt some of the excitement that you shared with us prior to going over there, it must be rather devastating. How very, very difficult for you. Are they a low socio economic group? Do you have to teach this class again? Where is their classroom teacher in all of this and how many were in the class? I do hope the next time you have to repeat this exercise that you find better mannered students.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Hi Chrissy-
Great to catch up with you about your experiences in SA! What a frustrating experience you describe here. I really only have words of encouragement for you. You really deserve a great deal of credit for taking this kind of risk…don’t let an experience like that leave a mark.
I’ve been amazed by the cultural experiences I’ve had this year-particularly the ones with your classroom in NZ! I tell the story all the time how lucky I was to join your classroom on their first day of school this year! What a pleasure that was!
I know none of this really relates, but I just wanted to pass along some good cheer your way after a challenging day.
Again, congratulations to you for taking the risk!
Matt
April 14th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
To my wonderful network, Muchas Gracias for your words of encouragement! The majority of the classes of English-learning students here are very pleased to ask questions and learn about NZ, and are a pleasure to share some time with.
This was a good learning curve for me. It made me reflect on learning another language and closing the language divide.
Marnie, Allanah, & Murcha
The teacher got called away by admin. I have come to realise that sometimes in Argentina, it is customary to speak over the top of one another – I haven’t worked out why yet.
Matt,
It is always pleasure to connect with you and it was an attention grabbing way to introduce my students to the power of skype – I am so glad that you were online at the time and my students still talk about it snowing at your place and how you showed them the snow outside! So cool!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Chrissy,
Teaching is a challenge in any language – I have the same problems some days with my students who can understand(!) what I’m saying…isn’t it amazing that we get up and return each day to try again.
I’ve enjoyed perusing your blog…what an adventure you are on. Come stay with me in Texas sometime…I’d love to host you.
After seeing your pictures…and having a blank regarding our Project Lemonade collaborative project…I think I’ve found it…is there someway we can jointly help your school/students in Argentina? Perhaps raise funds for a computer? Collect books? Paint for the desks?
If you can, send me your thoughts via email.
Devoni
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
Be kind to yourself; we all have days that leave us with that sinking feeling.