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ESL and Foreign Languages |
ESL ParticipantsBecause English is not their native language, and because there very often exists a wide disparity in the elements of language as one moves from one culture to another, the Program's ESL (English as a Second Language) participants will have unique learning needs. These needs will be:
In addition, after mastering basic grammar, ESL participants will be introduced to the contrastive analysis of rhetoric with the help of the ESL/Foreign Languages Specialist. Following Kaplan's (1966) analysis, ESL participants will be acutely aware of the differences between thought patterns of foreign students and those of native students. Through practice, ESL participants will become familiar with English rhetoric and produce more standard paragraphs, essay examinations, and term papers. The writings of native speakers of English is linear, concise and precise, while Oriental students' writing (especially Chinese and Korean) is indirect, somewhat disjointed and circular. Native speakers of English develop the main theme clearly with supporting details; Oriental students tend to develop the topic by means of circular reasoning patterns. Arabic speakers use both parallel themes, positive and negative. Speakers of Romance languages and speakers of Slavic languages digress somewhat in different modes, but come back to the main idea at the end. All these nonnative speakers of English demonstrate difficulties when they have to modify or completely change their thought and rhetorical patterns to accommodate those of English speaking countries. By means of contrastive analysis of rhetoric, individual ESL participants will benefit significantly. Nonnative speakers' writings are not viewed favorably because of the difference in culture-specific rhetorical patterns. In an attempt to develop English writing patterns, the following areas will be reviewed and practiced with individual ESL participants:
Foreign LanguagesAll students who began higher education by accumulating college credits, either at UMBC or at an institution from which UMBC accepts transfer credits in the summer session or fall semester of 1989 or thereafter, are required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. It is generally expected that students will enter UMBC having completed at least two years of a foreign language. To be graduated from UMBC, students must demonstrate proficiency at the third year level, and also complete two culture courses. Students entering after 1996 have additional foreign language requirements.The Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at UMBC offers an innovative, multi-disciplinary program with a triple focus: language, literature, and society. Courses are offered in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, as well as linguistics, American Sign Language, Wolof, and a range of culture and general interest courses under the designation of "MLL" (Modern Languages and Linguistics). In general, MLL courses are taught in English and include offerings on such topics as general language, linguistics, world literature, and international film. Because of their general needs related to reading, writing, speaking, and listening, SSS participants frequently find it difficult to complete the language and culture requirements. The ESL/Foreign Language Specialist will provide academic support for participants in these areas by recruiting, training, and supervising foreign language tutors. SSS participants may request one-to-one tutoring in foreign languages and culture courses by filling out a form located in ACIV, 481. In helping participants, the ESL/Foreign Languages Specialist always will respect and understand a participant's needs and goals by providing positive and effective feedback and expectations of high performance. SSS participants, through the office of the ESL Specialist, may choose from several methods to improve their specific needs:
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