Communicating Effectively with ell students

Communication differences Each country has its own communication style and trends.Each country has its own communication style and trends. Examples include: Americans like to use slang words and phrases that even other Americans don’t always understand. “I’m jazzed when that happens!”Americans like to use slang words and phrases that even other Americans don’t always understand. “I’m jazzed when that happens!” Japanese people do not like to refuse something, so they say that it will be discussed “later”. Later meaning never.Japanese people do not like to refuse something, so they say that it will be discussed “later”. Later meaning never. French people can get easily offended. For example, every word has to have a French translation – , mail, and mèl are too English, so the word “courriel” was created.French people can get easily offended. For example, every word has to have a French translation – , mail, and mèl are too English, so the word “courriel” was created. Germans love details and Italians don’t.Germans love details and Italians don’t.

Stumbling Blocks Before examining the way that other cultures communicate, it is important to reflect on our own communication style.Before examining the way that other cultures communicate, it is important to reflect on our own communication style. A few of the main stumbling blocks for ELL students and their families trying to understand what we have to say include:A few of the main stumbling blocks for ELL students and their families trying to understand what we have to say include: Metaphor trapsMetaphor traps Confusion over conditionalsConfusion over conditionals Unknowing lack of respectUnknowing lack of respect

Nonverbal communication So often we focus primarily on how to verbally communicate with our ELL students. However, the following forms of nonverbal communication and their effects are often overlooked:So often we focus primarily on how to verbally communicate with our ELL students. However, the following forms of nonverbal communication and their effects are often overlooked: Spatial RelationsSpatial Relations Tactile CommunicationTactile Communication Eye ContactEye Contact GesturesGestures

Spatial relations Spatial relations are how close you sit, stand, and walk with another person.Spatial relations are how close you sit, stand, and walk with another person. Personal space requirements can vary among cultures.Personal space requirements can vary among cultures. Some cultures are comfortable being very close to people, while others desire a greater area of space.Some cultures are comfortable being very close to people, while others desire a greater area of space.

Tactile communication People from a “touchy” culture may be comfortable with hugs and kisses on the cheek when greeting and departing.People from a “touchy” culture may be comfortable with hugs and kisses on the cheek when greeting and departing. People from a “keep your hands to yourself” culture are most comfortable with little or no touching when greeting and departing.People from a “keep your hands to yourself” culture are most comfortable with little or no touching when greeting and departing.

Eye contact In some cultures, direct eye contact is preferred because it implies confidence, respect, and interest in what the other person is saying. Looking away from someone may be considered suspicious.In some cultures, direct eye contact is preferred because it implies confidence, respect, and interest in what the other person is saying. Looking away from someone may be considered suspicious. In other cultures, people desire and appreciate indirect eye contact as a sign of respect, politeness, and reverence. Direct eye contact may suggest that a person is deceitful or aggressive.In other cultures, people desire and appreciate indirect eye contact as a sign of respect, politeness, and reverence. Direct eye contact may suggest that a person is deceitful or aggressive.

gestures Some cultures have gestures that look similar, but mean very different things.Some cultures have gestures that look similar, but mean very different things. Remember the examples from our opening activity!Remember the examples from our opening activity!

Communication strategies Take a moment to read some of the communication strategies with ELL students listed on your handout.Take a moment to read some of the communication strategies with ELL students listed on your handout. Judie Haynes offers these tips as keys to good communication that all teachers need to keep in mind when teaching new learners of English.Judie Haynes offers these tips as keys to good communication that all teachers need to keep in mind when teaching new learners of English. There may be times when you still struggle to convey the meaning of your message. At such times, remain patient, ask others for suggestions, and use other students as translators, if possible.There may be times when you still struggle to convey the meaning of your message. At such times, remain patient, ask others for suggestions, and use other students as translators, if possible.

Resources Cindy (2008). How to prevent most cross cultural miscommunication by examining your own English communication. w-to-prevent-most-cross-cultural-miscommunication-by- examining-your-own-english-communication/. w-to-prevent-most-cross-cultural-miscommunication-by- examining-your-own-english-communication/ w-to-prevent-most-cross-cultural-miscommunication-by- examining-your-own-english-communication/ Culture Crossing. Explore your cultural baggage. Haynes, J. Communicating with gestures. Haynes, J. Keys to effective communication. ommunication_91344.php. ommunication_91344.php ommunication_91344.php