How Many Languages Do You Speak?

The first thing that people ask when they find out that you teach English as a Second Language is, how many languages do you speak? Thinking that I am a master of linguistics they are usually surprised to learn that I have only mastered one~ English. Meanwhile, I am teaching students from all over the world who have come for various reasons, to live in America. In one of the districts in which I gained experience, there are over 300 languages spoken, many of which, few of us has ever heard. Many are dialects. The most wonderful thing about teaching these students, is their desire to learn. Most of them have yet to be spoiled by, and arrogant about, the free education that America offers, the opportunities that come from getting a good education, and an appreciation for all that this country has to offer. Their families in many cases, are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer their children the chance at a better life and are appreciative of the teachers that work with their children. While hardships often accompany many of the immigrants, they are sincere and hard working. ELL students, (English Language Learners) come to school already behind the proverbial 8 ball. They are often unfamiliar with American customs, idioms and slang, may speak with an accent that makes them difficult to understand, and are often victims of bullying. In addition, they also usually are two years or so, below their actual grade level, but are enrolled at the grade level that is dictated by their ages. Therefore, the average ELL is working to learn a language and its nuances, adapt to a new environment, work at a level that is too high academically (due to the English involved, not their cognitive abilities) and fit in overall. Basically, the ELL is doing double the work of the average American student. How soon would YOU like to sign up? No? Didn't think so.