Why is it beneficial for English teachers to understand the Ethnography of communication in relation to language teaching?
Diskusi 9 Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching
Why is it beneficial for English teachers to understand the Ethnography of communication in relation to language teaching?
Answer:
According to Wardhaugh (in Jufrizal and Refnaldi. 2017), ethnography of communication is a field of study that examines how people use language in different social contexts. This can be a valuable tool for English teachers as it can help them understand how their students use the language and adapt their teaching accordingly.
For example, an English teacher who understands ethnography of communication might be able to recognize that a student from a different culture may use language in a different way than other students in the class. Then, teacher can provide students with additional support or instruction to help them adjust to the new cultural way of using the language.
An English teacher who understands ethnography of communication may be able to design lessons that are more relevant to students' own experiences and interests. This can help make the learning process more interesting and effective. Thus, ethnography of communication is a valuable tool for English teachers as it can help them understand their students better and create a more effective learning environment.
Here are some specific ways in which ethnography of communication can be useful to English teachers:
- It can help teachers to understand different ways of using language in different social contexts.
- It can help teachers to identify the different communicative needs of their students.
- This can help teachers design lessons that are more relevant to students' own experiences and interests.
- It can help teachers create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
So, Ethnography of communication is a complex and nuanced field of study, but it can be a valuable tool for English teachers looking to improve their practice. And Ethnography of communication provides English teachers with valuable insights into the social and cultural dimensions of language use.
By understanding these aspects, teachers can facilitate contextual language learning, increase cultural sensitivity, recognize language variations, develop communicative competence, and increase students' motivation to learn English.
Reference:
Jufrizal and Refnaldi. 2017. Buku Materi Pokok MPBI5302/3SKS/Modul 1-9: Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching. Tangerang Selatan, Banten: Universitas Terbuka.