How does family and culture influence language and literacy?
A child is influenced and shaped by everything around him, including his family and culture (Rosenkoetter & Knapp-Philo, 2006). Your culture and family may view language practices and language socialization process differently from the way they are presented in this handbook. You may have different goals and expectations regarding language and literacy from what is taught in your child's school (Gonzalez-Mena & Eyer, 2007).
Culture can help determine how literacy will be used in daily life (Rosenkoetter & Knapp-Philo, 2006). For example, in some cultures, "reading and writing are important sources of pleasure and expression, while in others, print is mostly associated with religion (reading the Bible or the Koran) or used only for practical purposes" (paying bills, reading sales advertisements; Rosenkoetter & Knapp-Philo, 2006).
What if I have culture and parental expectations for my child's language and literacy development?
What if I have culture and parental expectations for my child's language and literacy development?
If you feel that your child's teacher needs to be aware of your family and cultural background, here are some practical ways you can help bridge the gap with your child's teacher (Rosenkoetter & Knapp-Philo, 2006):
- Share about any family- or culture- specific goals or expectations.
- Share about the aspects of culture that you would like to see present in the curriculum.
- Request for additional time to make decisions about any expectations or goals that have been set for your child.
- Tell about any family- or culture- specific gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact that you use with your child.
- Communicate about any family- or culture specific nonverbal cues or verbal cues you use with your child.
- Meet with your child's teacher if there is something in the curriculum that you don't feel comfortable with.
