Increasing teachers' knowledge of ELLS' linguistic and cultural backgrounds through the use of a flip chart describing the differences between English and ten languages.

Abstract

Research has found a linguistic and cultural mismatch between teachers and students in the United States, with many teachers lacking training in how to work effectively with English language learners (ELLs). Therefore the purpose of this Master’s project was to provide teachers with a resource for understanding the linguistic and cultural differences of ELLs through the creation of a flip chart. This flip chart is intended to be used as a resource by any teacher who works with linguistically and culturally diverse students. A thorough examination of each language and culture was conducted through the use of articles, reports, encyclopedias, books, and websites in order to create the flip chart. Ten languages were chosen based on which were the most-spoken by ELLs in Western New York and the United States. The ten languages presented in the flip chart include Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Karen, Korean, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The flip chart was designed to provide teachers with specific linguistic differences and similarities between these languages and English, in order for teachers to have an understanding of when students’ first languages may aid in the acquisition of English or may cause confusion. Cultural differences between interactions in ELLs’ home countries and interactions in the White, middle-class, culture of the United States were included, as well. This information may help teachers to have a more culturally responsive classroom.