Becoming Something Different

Quotes from the article:

• Language domination leads to "'exclusion and condemnation of one’s language'"

I believe that this is a large problem or ELLs in American classrooms. Kids are expected to learn the language quickly and then to live their entire lives speaking English. Now, I agree with teaching English in schools and I fully support that, but we cannot make it seem as though their original language is bad. I do not believe that it is appropriate for children to be put in the situation where our language is the best and they should just forget about the one they currently speak. Yes, it is extremely important for them to learn English since they are attending schools in the United States, but it is the attitude that is given about it that I have a problem with. If we have a horrible attitude about other languages, not only do we appear ignorant and close-minded but we also give a child the impression that their background is not good enough and they should change for us. They feel ashamed of their own language and have no other choice but to assimilate to the American lifestyle. This could also be seen with the situation with Windwolf that we discussed a few classes prior: he felt ashamed of his culture and wanted to change himself so that he would fit in. Although these were physical and aesthetic changes, this can also be applied to linguistic changes. As a society we are constantly torn between accepting our differences and changing who we are to be the best, and this is exemplified with ELLs in American schools when it comes to their original language.

• The desire for help suggested Esmé’s desire to succeed in school, a challenge she attributed to her still-developing English language proficiency. Because she was self-conscious about these challenges, she was also reluctant to pose questions or ask for assistance in more public ways.

I picked this quote because this happens all too often within schools, no matter what the age. As students, it is always assumed that we know a topic after it has been covered in class (seen with the cycle of a lesson, giving homework, and then being tested on the material at the end of the week). However, if a student does not understand the material, they are deemed a "slow learner" and needs extra attention in class. As a society we also value proficiency and success, so when these kids find themselves not understanding the lesson when everyone around them does, they are hesitant to ask for help. This stems from the fact that they begin to believe they are not smart at all and are afraid of what others will think. It's very sad to think of all of the kids who are afraid to ask questions in class and go through the school system with teachers thinking they are slow when, in reality, there is a large language barrier. 

• Esmé positioned Spanish-language dominance and her family’s traditional ways as obstacles to be overcome in school in order to fit into the social life at school.

I thought that this quote was very applicable to modern day schooling. Many kids find their culture and their languages obstacles for their social life. In this other blog called when education makes you ashamed of your background it shows how school can make a student torn between their social life and their family. Within the article, Esme wished desperately to go out with her friends but had to stay at home because of her traditional parents. This happens often as children grow up and try to branch out, but often it backfires and makes them go against their traditional roots. In school Esme was taught one thing while at home she was taught something completely different, leaving her torn between her family and social life at school.