Should Pidgin Be Taught In Schools

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The quote I have chosen is from the sixth passage, “Pidgin in School. ” In this passage, the author reasons that “Children do best at school when they are able to make use of their home language and culture. A basic and well-established educational principle is to build on the strengths that children come to school with.” The author is pointing out that if a child’s first language is Pidgin, they will better understand the content that is being taught if they are allowed to use Pidgin. This is because the synapses in the brain form in the context of Pidgin, so new synapses will form faster when the information is presented in Pidgin as well. If the new information is presented in American Standard English, then the brain will have to translate the new information into Pidgin which may cause the students to miss some information since the information takes longer to process. If students are allowed to use both American Standard English and Pidgin in the classroom, they will use more brain power and improve their cognitive functions. Students are able to learn most effectively when they are allowed to use Pidgin and when their language is treated with respect.
Taking all this into account, the author is indicated that it could be more harmful to ban pidgin …show more content…

For example, if one of my students said: “Toire o okari shitemo iidesu ka?” I might ask them if they know how to say that in English (if it is not an emergency). If not, I’ll just tell them, and have them repeat after me “May I go to the restroom? ” If they struggle, I’ll let them go and thank them for trying. If they are able, praise them and tell them that they may go. Or, in America, if a student wants to say something but does not use American Standard English, I’ll allow them to talk freely. I may need to ask for clarification after they are done,

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