Culturally Awakened to Communication by Madalyn

Culturally Awakened to Communication by Madalyn - October 2016 Scholarship Essay

Language has always been fascinating to me. I love how an utterance of seemingly nonsense syllables can be understood through learning. I value the creativity that it takes to write and speak and get a message across to other people. Spanish and English have been my two favorite subjects because not only do they come natural to me, but I’ve found it easy to challenge myself to think deeply. I saw the impact of language as I was in Africa speaking to the villages through a translator. Without language, there would be no communication and no depth of understanding within the world. The practical application for language holds more importance than any other subject. If I could teach any academic subject, it would be English because it can create bonds between people, and it’s through language that we are taught other academic subjects. Language is also fundamental to critical thinking and problem solving, so not only is it important for understanding, but it can expand a student’s capacity to think.
I would love to go overseas and teach English as a second language. This is something I’ve sincerely considered doing because I’ve been overseas twice now, and I’ve spent time teaching and learning languages with the African translators. I’ve made many friends by working with these translators, and they’ve shown me how to transcend the barriers of language to find things in common. Abraham, a Kokomba translator, would teach me African phrases such as “Teleche!” which means “Let’s go!” and would also share cultural songs and their meanings with me. In return, I would teach Abraham my American phrases and songs as we rode in the bed of a truck for hours, waiting to reach the next secluded village. Once we were at the villages, we would work together to teach the villagers and become their friends. Often, students feel foolish repeating back the weird sounds of an unknown language, but it creates a bond between the student and the teacher. From Abraham, I learned that friendships are built through the power of language.
I loved witnessing language dissolve comprehension barriers. It would be amazing to experience firsthand how better communication could transform a student’s quality of learning. The only way we can begin to pass along knowledge is through speech and writing. We use textbooks to read about subjects, and we listen to lectures from our teachers. Learning is profoundly dependent on language. I would love to help further education by teaching students to better understand English.
Additionally, students can acquire skills through learning English beyond proficiency in itself. Being involved in choir, I’ve been required to sing in multiple languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, and even Norwegian. You name it, and I’ve probably had the chance to sing it. Singing in so many different languages has significantly improved my comprehensive abilities. I think I’m better able to understand other subjects because of my linguistic exposure. Teaching students how to better speak and write in English, even as a second language, could significantly improve their performance in other academic areas, and I would enjoy contributing to that growth.
Language is easily taken for granted in our education system, and it should be made into an educational priority. If I were to be a teacher, I would want to teach English because of its significance. English, being a wide-spread language around the world, can assist students in furthering themselves and their education. Teaching communication will also create a stronger relationship and have an effect on skills in other areas of life. The vast range of practical use for language is what draws me in the most. The difference it could make in the lives of students is a strong motivation for me to teach English, whether it’s as a second language overseas or here in America.