Imagine a journey where the pursuit of a new language not only unlocks the door to communication but also unveils the hidden layers of your own cultural tapestry. In the diverse melting pot that is the United States, language acquisition isn’t just about words; it’s a key to understanding the rich mosaic of cultures that have woven themselves into the nation’s fabric. Join us as we embark on a voyage that delves deep into the profound connection between learning a foreign language. In this essay, we will journey through the realms of language, interculturality, and personal discovery, discovering how they all converge in a unique tapestry that is as diverse as the United States itself. As we transition from the concept of language as a bridge to diverse cultures to its practical application in learning, let’s delve deeper into how interculturality shapes the language acquisition journey.
This essay explores the profound connection between learning a foreign language and understanding different cultures, emphasizing the significance of interculturality in language acquisition. The student will make comparisons between the culture of the language being learned and the culture of the students. In the beginning level to intermediate level, the student will venture into cultures of Spanish speaking countries, and perhaps the lost family history and studying their own family tree. As we explore the significance of learning a second language and its connection to interculturality, it’s essential to recognize how the diverse cultural tapestry of the United States has played a pivotal role in shaping this perspective.
The USA is made by immigrants from many cultures and each group brings languages from foreign lands. Each immigrant and Native American learned English to make English the universal language. Current Americans have discovered the importance of learning a foreign language. One of the key elements in learning a new language requires interculturality.
Faye Rollings-Carter, in her discussion of interculturality, defines it as follows: “Interculturality is the interaction of people from different cultural backgrounds using authentic language appropriately in a way that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the cultures. It is the ability to experience the culture of another person and to be open minded, interested, and curious about that person and culture. Language learners must be able to evaluate personal feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and reactions in order to understand another culture and use that experience to reflect on their own life and surroundings.”
(Rollings-Carter) As we delve deeper into the concept of interculturality and its importance in language learning, it becomes evident that this journey of self-discovery and family history exploration is intricately intertwined with the broader tapestry of cultural understanding. In the past, students have embarked on an odyssey of learning about themselves, their families, and the rich tapestry of their family history. Through their explorations, they have uncovered captivating narratives about their ancestors’ arrival at Ellis Island, delving into the intriguing details of their journey and the transformation of their family surnames.
These intrepid scholars have also traced their footsteps of ther forebears as they ventured westward, seeking the promise of free land and the oppor t uni t y to shape their own destinies. In doing so, some students have unveiled the captivating stores of their Native American heritage, intertwined with the narratives of Spanish explorers, illuminating the intercultural exchange that shaped their family’s history. The evolution of their family surname into a European form, infused with the essence of Spanish nomenclature, adds yet another layer of depth to this remarkable journey of discovery. As these intrepid scholars delve into the captivating stories of their Native American heritage and the intercultural exchange with Spanish explorers, their journey to discovery takes on yet another layer of depth. Now, in the upcoming school year, beginner and intermediate students learning Spanish will have the opportunity to make comparisons and connections between cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of their personal histories.
This school year the beginner and intermediate student on learning Spanish will have the opportunity to make comparisons and connections between cultures. I am very excited to teach Spanish and culture. I can hardly wait to see the joy on their faces as they journey through learning about their personal histories. The curriculum being used at West Elk Junior Senior High School is EntreCulturas; which means between cultures.
According to Dr. Araceli Masterson from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. “EntreCulturas is the number one book to teach Spanish”. I happen to be using this curriculum for the past 5 years, and I am very happy that our school board and school administration has adopted the textbook.
In conclusion, the journey of language learning transcends the mere acquisition of words; it is a profound voyage of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and intercultural understanding. As we have explored the intricate connection between learning a foreign language and the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, it is clear that language is not just a bridge between words, but a bridge between worlds.
In the United States, a nation shaped by countless immigrant stories and Native American heritage, the importance of language as a tool for intercultural exchange cannot be overstated. Each immigrant group and Native American tribe contributed to the mosaic of languages that eventually became unified under the umbrella of English. Yet, in our modern era, Americans are rediscovering the value of learning foreign languages, recognizing that interculturality is a key component of this journey.
Interculturality, as defined by Faye Rollings- Carter, involves the authentic use of language while demonstrating a deep knowledge and understand of different cultures. It’s about being open-minded, curious, and willing to explore the worldviews of others. Language learners, as they embark on this path, not only gain proficiency in a new language but also engage in a process of self-reflection and cultural appreciation. Through this lens, they begin to see their own lives and surroundings in a new light.
This essay has highlighted the stories of students who have embarked on remarkable journeys of self-discovery, unearthing the captivating narratives of their ancestors’ immigration experiences and cultural interactions. From Ellis Island to the westward expansion, from Native American heritage to Spanish exploration, each discovery adds depth to their understanding of their own identities.
As we look forward to the upcoming school year, the curriculum “EntreCulturas,” meaning “between cultures,” promises to provide beginner and intermediate Spanish learners with a unique opportunity to make connections and comparisons between cultures. It is a curriculum that not only teaches Spanish but also fosters a deeper understanding of personal histories and the intercultural exchanges that have shaped them.
In the diverse and ever- evolving landscape of the United States, language learning serves as a powerful vehicle of personal growth, cultural appreciation, and intercultural understanding. It is a journey that unveils cultural treasures, not only in foreign lands but within ourselves, illuminating the rich tapestry of our collective human experience. As educators and students alike embark on this voyage, we embrace the opportunity to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes our nation and our world so rich and vibrant.
So, as we bid farewell to these words, let’s embark on our own unique adventures of language learning, armed with the knowledge that in this tapestry of cultures, there are countless threads yet to be woven. The world is waiting for your voice, and it’s through the language of understanding that we can build bridges that span continents and generations. Together, let’s continue to unveil the cultural treasures that make our world so beautiful, diverse and interconnected.
Citation : Carter, Faye Rollings. “LF: 5.2 What Is Interculturality?” NCSSFL - National Council for State Supervisors of Foreign Languages, Lingua-Folio Training Modules, 2010, ncssfl.org/lfmodules/ module5-2/.
