A SECOND

By Dr. Katya Pizarro

The truth is to learn a language as a “Whole.” Success in learning a second language depends on academic, social, emotional, and affective factors that interact between and within these major factors. The social and emotional/affective factors such as individual differences, temperament and personality characteristics, attitudes, values, and beliefs have a positive impact in the student’s second language development.

These factors help second-language students to adapt to a new culture and language. The learner’s needs, interests, motivation, attitudes, and emotional states affect the L2 (Second Language) learning process. Attitudes that are determined by language learners with co-workers, peers, parents, and teachers influence the way students see the new world. Multicultural awareness activities and programs sensitize work-school personnel, students, families, and community members to the needs and feelings of speakers of other languages.

There are many ways you can become an advocate for speakers of other languages and cultures. You become an advocate for speakers of other languages and their families when you open your heart and mind to learn about the ethnic background of other citizens of the world. By doing this process, you develop a habit of sociocultural observation for understanding cultural patterns and avoiding stereotypes and over-generalizations. By attending community events, such as festivals or local restaurants, you can understand second language students’ experiences as they occur in genuine cultural and linguistic environments. Your challenge is to make connections and embrace other cultures and languages. Your goal is to become a true mediator between your own culture and many others. You’ll be a mentor who can offer a meaningful interface of bicultural identities of speakers of other languages enhancing work and daily-life experiences overall!