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Culturally Influenced Language Learning

Margaret Mehringer

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Culturally Influenced Language Learning

Understand the impact of culture on language learning

This lesson aims to help students understand how cultural context affects language learning. Through cultural immersion activities, students will see firsthand how culture influences the manner in which languages are acquired. This lesson is important as it fosters cultural awareness and empathy, key skills in today’s interconnected world.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand the impact of culture on language learning

Materials

Cultural Scenario Cards, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome students and provide a brief overview of the lesson's objective.
  • Explain the importance of understanding the impact of culture on language learning.

Step 2

Cultural Immersion Activity

20 mins

  • Distribute the Cultural Scenario Cards to students.
  • Have each student read their card and imagine they are in that cultural context.
  • Ask students to write down how they think the cultural context might affect language learning and communication styles.

Step 3

Group Discussion

15 mins

  • Divide students into small groups to discuss their scenarios.
  • Provide each group with Discussion Questions to guide their conversation.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and findings with the group.

Step 4

Class Presentation

15 mins

  • Have each group present their findings to the class.
  • Allow other students to ask questions and provide feedback.
  • Summarize key points and recurring themes from the presentations.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the lesson and its main points.
  • Highlight the importance of cultural awareness in language learning.
  • Assign a brief reflection piece to be completed at home, asking students to reflect on how the lesson changed their understanding of the topic.
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Worksheet

Cultural Scenario Cards

These cards describe different cultural scenarios that students will imagine themselves in to understand the impact on language learning.




Scenario 1: You are in a rural Japanese village learning Japanese.







Scenario 2: You are in a bustling city in Mexico learning Spanish.







Scenario 3: You are in a traditional Maasai community in Kenya learning Swahili.







Scenario 4: You are in a remote Indigenous community in Australia learning an Aboriginal language.




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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide the group discussion on how culture influences language learning.

How do you think the cultural context described in your scenario affects the way language is learned?

Consider traditional communication styles, hierarchy, and social norms.







What challenges might a language learner face in your scenario?

Think about potential misunderstandings, learning methods, and available resources.







How would you approach learning a new language in your assigned cultural context?

Discuss potential strategies, tools, and ways to immerse yourself in the culture.







What benefits could come from learning a language in this cultural environment?

Consider the unique insights and skills that may be gained from the cultural immersion.







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