Teaching the English Language in the US

Paper Summary:

This paper examines several factors that determine success in the English-as-a-second-language classroom. The author argues that English is the necessary skill by which immigrants integrate into American society. Additionally, the author cites the linguistic paradox that exists in American society-- on the one hand, it encourages and honors diversity while on the other hand it encourages foreigners to learn English to the exclusion of their mother tongue. The paper concludes by stating language learning must be focused on the individual's learning style and needs whenever possible.

Outline:
Introduction
Definitions and Theories of Culture and Learning
The Significance of Sociocultural Theory
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"Since its inception, the United States have been a mix of many cultures. At the time of the first colonialists, the country was seen as a place of opportunity and prosperity for any who would make use of the vast resources offered. The immigration trend, despite all evidence to the effect that the opportunities offered are indeed not as vast as believed at first, continues to this day. This has created some difficulty in terms of culture and language, as immigrants attempted to integrate themselves into the United States and its workplace and schools while attempting to retain some of the culture that was their own since birth. In the L2 classroom then, it is vitally important to take into account matters of culture and the influence of this on learning."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brock, Cynthia H. (1998, Spring). Bilingual Research Journal: No habla ingles: Exploring a bilingual child's literacy learning opportunities in a predominantly English-speaking classroom. Bilingual Research Journal. Database: FindArticles.com.
• Crispell, Diane. (1997, Jan). Speaking in other tongues. American Demographics. Database: FindArticles.com.
• Huong, Le Pham Hoai. (2004). The Mediational Role of Language Teachers in Sociocultural Theory. English Teaching Forum: 41(3). http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol41/no3/p32.htm
• Jones, Janelle (2005, Dec). Language Acquisition for Global Relations. The Student Underground. (53) http://www.thestudentunderground.org/article.php?id=125&issue=53
• Lantolf, J. (2000). Second language learning as a mediated process. Language Teaching, 33, 2, pp. 79-96.

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