"Speak to un en ingles!" That was the standout line to me in Richard Rodriguez's article "Aria." Richard's parents were instructed to only speak English at home, giving up the language they were used to all their lives for the foreign one of the land they now lived in. I can only imagine more gentle ESL programs were not really an option for this family back then. I can't really imagine what Richard is going through since I have spoken English my whole life. I did have trouble learning Spanish when I had to take it as a required class, but once the class was over it was easy for me to just not use it and speak the language I am used to, a luxury that Richard just didn't have.
I selected this little comic because it sort of highlights more of what I went through. I was pestered to learn a second language, whether it be Spanish or Portuguese, and this comic shows that kids aren't always motivated to learn something they don't think they need.
Justine, interesting post! I like how you incorporated the idea of English speakers trying to learn a foreign language. These students are simply in the class for the grade and have the luxury of never using the foreign language outside the classroom and never using it again once the class ends. Non-English speakers do not have this luxury and therefore we must help them in any way possible. Great job!
ReplyDeleteJustine, I really agree with your blog post that although you may not want to learn another language or it may be difficult it can be a huge help later on in life! and your comic really represented your idea well! good job!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you used your personal experience to relate to this article. I also really love your little comic!
ReplyDeletehi Justine, I liked your post, I definitely agree with some things you had to say! the comic you added was funny :)
ReplyDeleteI never thought to apply my own experiences learning a second language to ELL students. That's an interesting perspective!
ReplyDeleteLearning more than one language teaches you to be more appreciative of other cultures.
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