Myth+5++Same-Same+but+Different

ESL Myth 5

**Prevailing belief: All children learn an additional language in the same way.** 

What the experts say: Styles of Conversing Cultural anthropologists say that children from diverse backgrounds have different ways of talking (Heath, 1983). Some groups engage in discussions that involve a deductive, analytic style of conversing while other groups engage in discussions that involve an inductive style. Children who are accustomed to inductive style conversations may experience frustration when placed in a classroom where deductive speech prevails.

Interactions Some language learners are comfortable interacting and learning from peers and may be inhibited when they need to converse with adults. In some cultures, it is normal for older children to look after and be almost completely responsible for younger siblings. Such children may be more responsive to conversations with peers than with their teachers.

"Wall flowers" As teachers, we work with children who are outgoing and sociable and others who stand on the sidelines. Children who are outgoing and sociable tend to take risks with language and learn languages quickly. Other children are quiet and learn languages a bit slower than risk takers.

What we can do as teachers Knowledge about our students' backgrounds, languages, and interactions can help teachers adapt instruction. A home survey or short interview with each family at the start of the school year might be in order.

Sources: CAL Digest (Dec. 1992). Center for Applied Linguistics Heath, S.B. (1983). Ways with words: Language, life, and work in communities and classrooms. New York: Cambridge.