Hi Cece, I too have not visited outside the states and would like to travel in the future. My friends and family also call me "Cece", so we have that in common. I enjoyed watching you video and learning more about you. I like how you pursued the Spanish language to further your understanding with fellow co-workers. According to Ortega, "..adults will embark on very different kinds of literacy practice and use language for widely differing needs".(Ortega. 2011. Pg. 4). I would like to know, since you use both the English and Spanish language to communicate, how would you better help your English Language Learner's as they transition? Good luck this semester!
Ortega, Lourdes. Second Language Acquisition. London: Routledge, 2011. Print
Hi Celester, My real name is Celisha so that makes sense! I think that having a goal, or purpose, especially as an adult, is so necessary when learning a new language. Your quote from Ortega perfectly explains this idea of how adults use the language they are learning. I hope that knowing Spanish will only aid me when I overhear them speaking to one another, like a glimpse into their lives without knowing that I am there with them. I have already used it for behavior issues by know when they are swearing in class! But, in a positive manner, I hope that I can remember my learning journey and be able to be empathic toward my ELLs. They need extra patience from me while learning.
Very great video you put together and it is interesting you have never left the country but I can guarantee you when you do you will be amazed with all the languages there are out there in the world. I liked how you enrolled your daughter in a spanish emergent preschool to open her pathways to SLA. According to Ortega (2011) enrolling her this young will really help her emerge both her Spanish and English because children capture the language faster when they are younger. “Child language happens at a young age, first between the womb and the few first months of life, infants attune themselves to the prosodic and phonological makeup of the language to which they are exposed and they also learn the dynamics of turn taking” (Ortega, 2011, Pg. 3). Children like yours will benefit by knowing more than one language. I saw you also decided to learn Spanish but as an adolescent, other than communicating with your co- workers how does learning Spanish benefit you in education? And a little tip don’t be scare to embrace the Spanish you know you will be able to grow this language with confidence.
Ortega, L. (2011). Understanding second language acquisition. London and New York: Routledge.
Greetings Griselda, I can't wait to visit another country. I've always wanted to visit all of Europe. What's interesting in that most of the ones I want to visit are English speaking. I'm guessing that is an internal struggle with being uncomfortable not knowing the languages of elsewhere. I should shoot to go to others when over there to push myself out of my comfort zone. My whole experience with learning Spanish will be beneficial with teaching in that I will be more understanding to ELLs. I know that I will make sure that I differentiate instruction for them because I know how difficult learning can be if there isn't the support that is needed. I already am practicing this in my student teaching classroom.
Kudos for you on enrolling your daughter in a Spanish-emergent school. She will thank you when she gets older. Do not feel bad but proud that you are taking necessary measures in becoming better in Spanish. Nice job in differentiating instruction for those ELLs. You mentioned that you never traveled outside of the U.S. Travel to a Spanish-speaking country like Spain; it is in Europe. Have you thought of teaching English abroad? I am thinking to teach English one day outside of the U.S. so I can better myself in learning Spanish. Ortega (2011) mentions that adults learn a new language better than children do up to a 1 year period, but then, children learn it better in the long run. One to two years living outside of the U.S., I am sure you can acquire a lot of Spanish and how it is spoken on the daily, versus to what textbooks says. Just a thought! Good luck!
I thought it was interesting how you mentioned living in a bubble of only English because I am certain that everyone has their own unique bubble that comes with their own preference of language. With that in mind it may include the speed in which a person prefers talking and the amount of details they may want in conversation whether it is straight to the point or with more elaboration. It is stated in the text that “The details of people’s L2 learning histories can vary greatly, depending on where their studies, their families, their jobs and careers, and wider economic and political world events, take them” (Ortega). That bubble each person has will depend on their own individual experiences and it can change from the first language to their second language.
Ortega, L. (2011). Understanding second language acquisition. London and New York: Routledge.
Hi Bryan, Yes! I've always thought of my bubble as particular to English, but you are so right about everyone having that bubble with their particular language. I think that some individuals are raised in parts of the world, especially Europe, where they are exposed to other languages at a younger age, but we still communicate with those that we feel comfortable communicating with. Your quote from Ortega perfectly explains the influences that help to shape our bubble. Everything that we are exposed to helps to shape our L1 and our L2.
Hi Cece! I am glad to have you in this class with me because I know we have some classes together in person. I have always wanted to go to Utah, there is a lot of beautiful nature to see out there. I also grew up in a blended family, so I understand how it is to sometimes hear other languages in your family that you do not even speak. Only with me, I understood a little bit of Spanish, just not enough to converse with my family members.
I think it is admirable that you were so eager to learn Spanish at work. I definitely have a complex about my accent when speaking Spanish and I hope that we both can overcome this challenge. According to Ortega (2013) on page 1, many people learn a few words or phrases in a second language and many will be forced to learn enough to navigate for matters of survival, such as work. I think this relates to you and your situation in the restaurant industry. I also work in a restaurant and a lot of the bussers and cooks will speak in Spanish and I can usually figure out what they are saying, and sometimes I am forced to use the little Spanish I do know to communicate with them. I find that even when I pronounce something wrong or use the wrong grammar they still can figure out what I am asking or saying. Good luck with the semester and with your future language learning goals!
Hello Amber, I really appreciated the way that you said, "I hope we both can overcome this challenge." I think that this idea needs to be remember by us as teachers, that ELLs have the challenge of overcoming being scared to speak a new language. I feel like your situation is even more complex than mine with your last name being Hernandez. There is a stigma, especially in Houston and other densely Hispanic populated areas, that you should have been raised with Spanish. They see the the last name and may assume. I am sure that you have run into situations like this. I completely agree with you, with what Ortega said, that working with individuals who only spoke Spanish forced me to learn more of the language in order to communicate. I really should start practicing more of the language. I'm betting that adults would handle the situation better.
Hi Cece, Your family dynamic is so interesting! I love how you included your first memory of hearing another language at four years old, Spanish. It’s great how you put forward an effort to learn Spanish and “set out to learn a language other than their mother tongue” which is “L2 acquisition” (Ortega, 2013, p. 8). It takes a lot to leave your comfort zone after being raised in a monolingual household and even desire to pass what you know to your children as well. My question for you is: are you interested in learning a different language in the future? Especially since you want to travel?
I really hate it when people are silly around those who are learning a language. I apologize for them. Most people are respectful but from time to time you find certain people. Your experience is very common in that type of setting. Please do not let anyone develop a complex. Most people value your bilingualism and appreciate your effort to learn our language. Si quiere, aquí puede usar español en los blogs de aquellos que han dicho que hablan español. I invite you to Colombia, a country where we admire those who attempt to learn our Spanish.
Hi CeCe! I didn’t know that you had such a large family and had been to that many different states. Also, you trying to learn Spanish to have a better communication with your coworkers is also pretty great that you were trying to translate some of your learning in class to real-world situations. I also have the fear of speaking Spanish or even Chinese out-loud for the fear of being laughed at. Hopefully this fear will push us to just work harder in the language we want to be more fluent in so that one day we can try our best when It comes to communicating in a second language!
I love your positive outlook on second language acquisition! I think that having a better understanding of what our ELLs are going through and how we can help them with our curriculum and teaching methods. I think that providing times for them to practice their L2 in a supportive environment is so crucial to their learning. I have student in my class who doesn't like to speak in front of the class so I will work one-on-one with him at the beginning of class so he can get that practice in with myself.
Hi Silesia. I really enjoyed looking at your blog. Like you, I also enjoy cuddling up with a good book. This helps me to relax and be entertained as I learn new information. However, unlike you, I have just one brother who is much like a father figure to me since I grew up with my aunt who is a principal. I can appreciate how listening to someone whom you could not understand anything that was said. My great grandparents, who came from the Indian continent, spoke a language, which included Indian and Spanish, which I did not have a clue about what they said. However, my experiences with a foreign language really began in junior school where taking a foreign subject was mandatory. I do wish you all the best, in working towards your goals, including learning Spanish. Hopefully we will be able to sit together one day and converse in Spanish. Good Post.
Hi Cece,
ReplyDeleteI too have not visited outside the states and would like to travel in the future. My friends and family also call me "Cece", so we have that in common. I enjoyed watching you video and learning more about you. I like how you pursued the Spanish language to further your understanding with fellow co-workers. According to Ortega, "..adults will embark on very different kinds of literacy practice and use language for widely differing needs".(Ortega. 2011. Pg. 4). I would like to know, since you use both the English and Spanish language to communicate, how would you better help your English Language Learner's as they transition? Good luck this semester!
Ortega, Lourdes. Second Language Acquisition. London: Routledge, 2011. Print
Hi Celester,
DeleteMy real name is Celisha so that makes sense!
I think that having a goal, or purpose, especially as an adult, is so necessary when learning a new language. Your quote from Ortega perfectly explains this idea of how adults use the language they are learning.
I hope that knowing Spanish will only aid me when I overhear them speaking to one another, like a glimpse into their lives without knowing that I am there with them. I have already used it for behavior issues by know when they are swearing in class! But, in a positive manner, I hope that I can remember my learning journey and be able to be empathic toward my ELLs. They need extra patience from me while learning.
ReplyDeleteHello Cece,
Very great video you put together and it is interesting you have never left the country but I can guarantee you when you do you will be amazed with all the languages there are out there in the world. I liked how you enrolled your daughter in a spanish emergent preschool to open her pathways to SLA. According to Ortega (2011) enrolling her this young will really help her emerge both her Spanish and English because children capture the language faster when they are younger. “Child language happens at a young age, first between the womb and the few first months of life, infants attune themselves to the prosodic and phonological makeup of the language to which they are exposed and they also learn the dynamics of turn taking” (Ortega, 2011, Pg. 3). Children like yours will benefit by knowing more than one language. I saw you also decided to learn Spanish but as an adolescent, other than communicating with your co- workers how does learning Spanish benefit you in education? And a little tip don’t be scare to embrace the Spanish you know you will be able to grow this language with confidence.
Ortega, L. (2011). Understanding second language acquisition. London and New York: Routledge.
Greetings Griselda,
DeleteI can't wait to visit another country. I've always wanted to visit all of Europe. What's interesting in that most of the ones I want to visit are English speaking. I'm guessing that is an internal struggle with being uncomfortable not knowing the languages of elsewhere. I should shoot to go to others when over there to push myself out of my comfort zone.
My whole experience with learning Spanish will be beneficial with teaching in that I will be more understanding to ELLs. I know that I will make sure that I differentiate instruction for them because I know how difficult learning can be if there isn't the support that is needed. I already am practicing this in my student teaching classroom.
Cece,
DeleteKudos for you on enrolling your daughter in a Spanish-emergent school. She will thank you when she gets older. Do not feel bad but proud that you are taking necessary measures in becoming better in Spanish. Nice job in differentiating instruction for those ELLs. You mentioned that you never traveled outside of the U.S. Travel to a Spanish-speaking country like Spain; it is in Europe. Have you thought of teaching English abroad? I am thinking to teach English one day outside of the U.S. so I can better myself in learning Spanish. Ortega (2011) mentions that adults learn a new language better than children do up to a 1 year period, but then, children learn it better in the long run. One to two years living outside of the U.S., I am sure you can acquire a lot of Spanish and how it is spoken on the daily, versus to what textbooks says. Just a thought! Good luck!
Hello Celisha Drake
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how you mentioned living in a bubble of only English because I am certain that everyone has their own unique bubble that comes with their own preference of language. With that in mind it may include the speed in which a person prefers talking and the amount of details they may want in conversation whether it is straight to the point or with more elaboration. It is stated in the text that “The details of people’s L2 learning histories can vary greatly, depending on where their studies, their families, their jobs and careers, and wider economic and political world events, take them” (Ortega). That bubble each person has will depend on their own individual experiences and it can change from the first language to their second language.
Ortega, L. (2011). Understanding second language acquisition. London and New York: Routledge.
Hi Bryan,
DeleteYes! I've always thought of my bubble as particular to English, but you are so right about everyone having that bubble with their particular language. I think that some individuals are raised in parts of the world, especially Europe, where they are exposed to other languages at a younger age, but we still communicate with those that we feel comfortable communicating with. Your quote from Ortega perfectly explains the influences that help to shape our bubble. Everything that we are exposed to helps to shape our L1 and our L2.
Hi Cece! I am glad to have you in this class with me because I know we have some classes together in person. I have always wanted to go to Utah, there is a lot of beautiful nature to see out there. I also grew up in a blended family, so I understand how it is to sometimes hear other languages in your family that you do not even speak. Only with me, I understood a little bit of Spanish, just not enough to converse with my family members.
ReplyDeleteI think it is admirable that you were so eager to learn Spanish at work. I definitely have a complex about my accent when speaking Spanish and I hope that we both can overcome this challenge. According to Ortega (2013) on page 1, many people learn a few words or phrases in a second language and many will be forced to learn enough to navigate for matters of survival, such as work. I think this relates to you and your situation in the restaurant industry. I also work in a restaurant and a lot of the bussers and cooks will speak in Spanish and I can usually figure out what they are saying, and sometimes I am forced to use the little Spanish I do know to communicate with them. I find that even when I pronounce something wrong or use the wrong grammar they still can figure out what I am asking or saying. Good luck with the semester and with your future language learning goals!
Hello Amber,
DeleteI really appreciated the way that you said, "I hope we both can overcome this challenge." I think that this idea needs to be remember by us as teachers, that ELLs have the challenge of overcoming being scared to speak a new language. I feel like your situation is even more complex than mine with your last name being Hernandez. There is a stigma, especially in Houston and other densely Hispanic populated areas, that you should have been raised with Spanish. They see the the last name and may assume. I am sure that you have run into situations like this.
I completely agree with you, with what Ortega said, that working with individuals who only spoke Spanish forced me to learn more of the language in order to communicate. I really should start practicing more of the language. I'm betting that adults would handle the situation better.
Hi Cece,
ReplyDeleteYour family dynamic is so interesting! I love how you included your first memory of hearing another language at four years old, Spanish. It’s great how you put forward an effort to learn Spanish and “set out to learn a language other than their mother tongue” which is “L2 acquisition” (Ortega, 2013, p. 8). It takes a lot to leave your comfort zone after being raised in a monolingual household and even desire to pass what you know to your children as well. My question for you is: are you interested in learning a different language in the future? Especially since you want to travel?
I really hate it when people are silly around those who are learning a language. I apologize for them. Most people are respectful but from time to time you find certain people. Your experience is very common in that type of setting. Please do not let anyone develop a complex. Most people value your bilingualism and appreciate your effort to learn our language. Si quiere, aquí puede usar español en los blogs de aquellos que han dicho que hablan español. I invite you to Colombia, a country where we admire those who attempt to learn our Spanish.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful idea! That way I can get some more practicing. Thank you for the suggestion.
DeleteHi CeCe! I didn’t know that you had such a large family and had been to that many different states. Also, you trying to learn Spanish to have a better communication with your coworkers is also pretty great that you were trying to translate some of your learning in class to real-world situations. I also have the fear of speaking Spanish or even Chinese out-loud for the fear of being laughed at. Hopefully this fear will push us to just work harder in the language we want to be more fluent in so that one day we can try our best when It comes to communicating in a second language!
ReplyDeleteI love your positive outlook on second language acquisition! I think that having a better understanding of what our ELLs are going through and how we can help them with our curriculum and teaching methods. I think that providing times for them to practice their L2 in a supportive environment is so crucial to their learning. I have student in my class who doesn't like to speak in front of the class so I will work one-on-one with him at the beginning of class so he can get that practice in with myself.
DeleteHi Silesia. I really enjoyed looking at your blog. Like you, I also enjoy cuddling up with a good book. This helps me to relax and be entertained as I learn new information. However, unlike you, I have just one brother who is much like a father figure to me since I grew up with my aunt who is a principal. I can appreciate how listening to someone whom you could not understand anything that was said. My great grandparents, who came from the Indian continent, spoke a language, which included Indian and Spanish, which I did not have a clue about what they said. However, my experiences with a foreign language really began in junior school where taking a foreign subject was mandatory. I do wish you all the best, in working towards your goals, including learning Spanish. Hopefully we will be able to sit together one day and converse in Spanish. Good Post.
ReplyDelete