Second Language Speakers Film

I found this film rather facinating. I was interested in the idea that each culture has it's own writting style. I've often thought that our linear essay format was pretty boring and it was fun to hear about different styles that incorporate more engagement on the reader's part. As an English major, I'm very interested in creative writting as well as non-fiction literature and I thought it was interesting how several of the international students talked about using more indirect methods of getting their points across to the reader. I found these methods more elegent than our cut and dry get to the point methods. Am I a geek for saying I really enjoyed this film? Probably. Oh well, I thought it was interesting and it gave me some insight into the problems that international students face when trying to write in a different language.

I thought it was interesting to get to know that somebody is really thinking about, how to help international students and how to make grading their work more fair. It's a good thing in my opinion and I can definitely say, that it helps if you are told which typical mistakes you make and how you can eliminate them. It is not at all motivating to get a paper back which is all red and only points out the mistakes you make without mentioning the positive aspects of your writing.
As far as I know we do not have a campaign like this at German universities, however the reason for that might be, that there are by far not so many international students. However it would definitely be a good idea to think about something like that in Germany as well, as it really helps students to stay motivated and keep on going!

Second Language Documentary

I found the documentary interesting in regards to the way different cultures write. I never realized how different cultures, such as those in South America and Latin America, write and speak in very indirect ways. Most of the students interviewed all pointed out how direct and cold our writing and speaking style is here in the United States. I also found the discussion afterwards very interesting in regards to the way different dialects of English have been formed as different cultures have found there way to this country. The last thing I wanted to touch on was the topic the film described about grading for a second language student. I was in agreement about grading papers on a more conceptual plane rather than a set of skills that require years of memorization. As long as the students can communicate themselves and get their points across without a large number of minor errors that have no real effect on the paper, than they should receive quality grades.

The great ESL movie

I loved this documentary. It made me think about so many new ideas. I had never heard about the different visual paterns for speach. I understood the idea, but hadn't ever seen it presented in that way before. I also really enjoyed learning about grammar vs. lexicon. I hadn't really thought about the fact that many conventions are conventions for no real reason other than that's the way we do it. Crazy Americans.