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By Dr. Katya Pizarro

with several events in 1942, the New World discovery. As Spain spread its empire to other parts of the world, Spanish supplanted numerous indigenous languages while continuing to evolve.

What Rome had done to Spain; Spain was now doing to people in the Americas. In a similar way, English spread worldwide with the imperial expansion of Great Britain and the national growth of its former colonies, including the United States. As with Spanish, there are many varieties of English within and across nations. It is also important to know when a dialect comes to into power as a standard; its status is usually reinforced in written media, such as newspapers, magazines, books, and articles. It is also reinforced in oral broadcast media and in academic settings in both oral and written forms.

As a matter of fact, when you explore and learn a second language you sense the value of other languages and cultures; you are more likely to feel positive about a diverse society. At the same time, you build other people’s sense of identity and self-worth creating the effective foundation of your success.

During your assimilation process, you represent the new language and culture sharing your lessons at work, and anywhere you go! You model a positive attitude and perspective toward others. Keep in mind that the language we all speak is intricately interwoven with our early socialization to family and community. It forms an important element of our personal identity, our social identity, our racial identity, our ethnic identity, and even our national identity.

▸ Dr. Katya Pizarro is the Founder and President of Elite Language Academy (ELA), a hybrid -virtual language center in USA. She lectures as a Professor at Broward College in Florida. Her research interests and publications relate to TESOL education, multiculturalism, schooling settings with ESL students, and professional development. Her dissertation Exploring Private School Teachers’ Perceptions and Pedagogical Efficacy with English language Learners, has effectively contributed to ESL teaching in U.S. She has frequently delivered presentations at Annual TASS, Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conferences.