ELL Cultural Awareness and Diversity Flashcards

What does 'linguistic diversity' in US schools mean for ELL program planning?

Answer: ELLs come from many different language backgrounds, requiring flexible, responsive program models and multilingual resources

US schools serve ELLs who speak hundreds of different home languages, requiring program planners to design flexible services and multilingual resources that can support diverse linguistic populations.

What is 'translanguaging' and how can it benefit ELL learners?

Answer: A pedagogical approach that values and leverages ELLs' full linguistic repertoire across languages to support learning

Translanguaging recognizes ELLs' ability to fluidly use all their linguistic resources — including their home language — as an asset that supports deeper learning and comprehension in English.

Which concept describes a student's ability to maintain and develop proficiency in both their home language and English?

Answer: Additive bilingualism

Additive bilingualism refers to the development of proficiency in a second language while maintaining and continuing to develop the home language, which research associates with stronger academic and cognitive outcomes.

What is 'subtractive bilingualism' and why is it a concern for ELL students?

Answer: A process where acquiring English causes ELLs to lose proficiency in their home language, potentially harming identity and cognition

Subtractive bilingualism occurs when ELLs' home language is devalued or neglected, causing attrition and loss, which can negatively affect family communication, cultural identity, and cognitive development.

How does understanding 'nonverbal communication differences' across cultures help ELL teachers?

Answer: It helps teachers avoid misinterpreting cultural behaviors (e.g., avoiding eye contact as disrespect) and create more culturally responsive classrooms

Recognizing that eye contact, personal space, gestures, and silence carry different meanings across cultures prevents teachers from misreading culturally appropriate ELL behaviors as disrespect or disengagement.

What is the role of 'family and community engagement' in supporting ELL student success?

Answer: Strong school-family partnerships improve ELL student motivation, attendance, and achievement by connecting home and school learning

Research consistently shows that ELL student outcomes improve when schools actively engage families as partners, communicate in home languages, and respect families' cultural perspectives on education.