Topic Activities

Activity Topic 1

Activity 1

Visit the following websites related to accents of the US. As you explore, think about how these various accents differ and how they might be have been influenced in various regions. How might the IPA be used to capture these accents?

I really enjoyed exploring the different accents, especially the activity in which you can choose a state and listen to examples of different people from various age groups, careers, etc.  I learned that I am apparently not very good at identifying where an accent is from, as I did poorly on the quiz.  The IPA can be used to capture accents by illustrating the sounds that are stressed.  IPA, however, cannot illustrate the different rate at which people speak or tone. 

Activity Topic 2

Activity 1

Watch the ABC news experiment video about Racism and Immigration in the US. While this is a complicated political issue in the US and abroad, you will find that you, as an ESL teacher, may be brought into the politics of language and government immigration policies.

As you watch the video consider how the various sentiments expressed in the film might impact how you as an ESL teacher interact and collaborate with others who share these sentiments, advocate for the needs of your students, and how your own feelings may impact your interaction with students and parents.

The video really hit home for me.  I live in the same small community my entire life.  Over the past 10 years, we have seen a drastic increase in Hispanic immigrants to the community, and therefore, an increasing ESL population in the school district.  The immigrants in the community and school face attitudes such as those demonstrated in the videos.  As an ESL instructor, I think at times it may be difficult to overlook these negative attitudes, especially if the students are aware of the negativity some feel towards them.  The most important aspects of my job as their teacher are to show them that they are valued members of the school and community who deserve an education, and to provide them with that education.  

Activity 2

Visit the PBS website to explore several topics in sociolinguistics. There you will find educational resources for both teachers and students. Briefly reflect (3-5 sentences) on how this information helps you as an educator.

The information provided by the PBS website will help teachers to understand the aspects of sociolinguistics.  Language is not only learned in the classroom, but influenced by our social contacts and environments.  Teacher can utilize these resources to gain a deeper understanding of the language influences experienced by their students.  Teachers can also research dialects and stigmas attached to those of certain regions/groups.