Reflection on Ch 2 by Jean Buller https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0 Here are the reflection prompts: 1) Describe how a working knowledge of phonemes would be useful in predicting typical errors in pronunciation by EL students. 2) Define the term syntax, and how knowledge of syntax structures in a person’s first language (L1) are typically learned. 3) Identify a specific form of nonverbal communication, and describe how cultural differences may specifically impact that form of nonverbal communication. en-us 2018-10-01 20:16:17 UTC 2026-02-27 19:58:53 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Shakinghands.png Kristina Gaines https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288272337 A working knowledge of phonemes would be useful in predicting typical errors in pronunciation because a teachers would know distinct sounds that would make a difference when making words. In the textbook, there's an example that has two words, tip and dip, that have one difference in how they are pronounced, which is their initial consonant sounds /t/ and /d/. Another example would be the words mop and pop, which have distinct initial consonant sounds of /ma/ and /pa/. 
The term syntax involves sentence structures and the rules that it has in a language. Knowledge of syntax structures in a person's first language are learned usually as the person acquires the language as a kid and is not taught in school.
Gestures are a form of nonverbal communication and cultural differences may have a significant impact on nonverbal communication. For example, in the US nodding your head simply means "yes". But in other places in the world, "yes" is indicated by shaking your head. This can be very confusing for a teacher who is trying to receive feedback from students who aren't familiar with the culture.]]> 2018-10-02 17:25:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288272337 Kelly Kimura kekimura https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288423248 1. Having the knowledge of phonemes would be a game changer. The teacher could expect students use a certain pronunciation but with the knowledge of phonemes they could help them understand of how words should be said. They would have great phonetic awareness. 
2. Syntax deals with the structures of sentences. When it comes to the structure of sentences I think kids often pick this up with speech. They learn how to form sentences before they attend school. 
3. Nonverbal communication includes eye contact. In Japanese culture using eye contact is viewed as inappropriate towards authority. They value respect. In western culture authorities prefer individuals to look them in the eye while they are talking. It shows that one is listening. ]]> 2018-10-03 01:21:29 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288423248 Sydney Foliente https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288444067 1. Phonemes are the sounds that make up a language. Phoneme awareness is useful in predicting typical errors in pronunciation by EL students because in understanding the sounds, you recognize their identities and can more easily put them together.
2. Syntax refers to the structure of sentences and the rules that govern the formation of a sentence. Syntactic knowledge in the native language is not taught in school but is constructed as native speakers acquire their language as children. 
3. An example of nonverbal communication would be patting someone on the head. While in America it is considered a good thing for a child to be pat on the head as to say, “Good job,” in a country like Fiji, this is seen as disrespectful due to the head being deemed as a sacred part of the body.

]]> 2018-10-03 03:57:48 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288444067 Roxanne Ferrolino https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288799120
  • Knowing phonemes is useful to teachers in numerous ways, especially if teachers are able to identify each phoneme’s point of articulation.  This can be useful because teachers can describe to EL students how to make the sound by telling them where to place their tongue when pronouncing that phoneme.  Teachers can use the knowledge of phonemes and their points of articulation to predict errors with sounds that are similar, such as the sounds of /p/ and /b/.
  • Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases and rules that govern the proper formation of a sentence.  When a person learns his or her first language, syntax is almost never formally learned.  Rather, L1 syntax is learned naturally by listening to people around speak.  Often until formal education, a person cannot explain why a sentence in L1 is formed that way.  He or she will usually say “It just sounds right that way.”
  • Growing up in a Filipino household, I learned several forms of nonverbal communication, such as pointing with my lips and eyes rather than my fingers or hands.  I quickly learned that this form of nonverbal communication did not work with my non-Filipino friends.

    • ]]>     2018-10-03 17:50:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288799120     Gloria Luna https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288949381 Having a deep understanding of phonemes is extremely useful in predicting typical errors in pronunciation by EL students. For example, Spanish uses the phonemic sequence /sp/ in the middle of a word, but never at the beginning. This explains why Spanish-speaking students will pronounce "Spanish" as "Espanish." When we understand these issues, we are less likely to reprehend students that are making an effort to learn English. We are more likely to focus instead on the content rather than on the grammatical correctness of a phrase or sentence.
    I like to think of syntax as the unspoken rules of forming sentences. You learn syntax by having enough exposure to the language and picking up on the patterns that others use when forming sentences. EL students may have the right answer in mind but may communicate it in an incorrect way because of their native language's syntax rules. Through exposure to the English language through speech and observation, EL are slowly able to pick up on the syntax rules that we use. 
    It's important to remember that not all cultures value the same things the English culture values, like eye-contact. Some students were taught to not look directly at adults in their native culture. We need to be understanding and aware of these cultural differences in eye-contact so our classrooms remain comfortable environments . ]]>     2018-10-04 03:09:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/288949381     Jezarelle Kho jezarellekho https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/289731402 1. Understanding and knowing what phonemes are can be helpful to EL students because it will help them be able to pronounce words that they are struggling with. Teachers will be able to help them recognize sounds in each word. By recognizing the sounds in a word will allow them to put together words that will turn into conversational language.
    2. Syntax means the arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences in a language. It is important to understand syntax because you it will able to help you make sense of things. You can have all the same words in two different sentences however there could be different meanings if worded in an incorrect way. 
    3. A form of nonverbal communication could be facial expressions. This could vary within different cultures where it is inappropriate to make certain faces however in America we pretty much have the freedom to do so.]]>     2018-10-05 17:05:16 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/289731402     Cassandra Chavez https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290142071 -Phonemes are the basic sounds units that comprise a language, and they can be arranged into phonemic sequences in order to form words. Having a basic phonological awareness can greatly help teachers who are working with ELL students. Knowing what sounds structure different languages will allow teachers to understand and predict a student’s mispronunciations and misspellings. For instance, the /sp/ sound in Spanish never initiates a word, so native Spanish speakers might add an /e/ before a word that begins with /sp/ so that the word is consistent with his/her native tongue. Not only can teachers predict phonology errors, but they can also assist students with learning the phonemes of English. Teachers will be able to pinpoint the phonemes students struggle with and show them how to pronounce them correctly.
    -Syntax is defined by the textbook as “the structure of sentences and the rules that govern the formation of a sentence.” Syntax focuses on word order and the various building blocks of sentences. People are largely unaware of the syntax that they know. Syntax is something that each person learns in infancy and childhood through the imitation of the speech around them. Individuals can detect syntactically incorrect sentences in their own language, but will likely be unable to explain why the sentences are wrong since the syntax is so ingrained in their minds.
    - Nonverbal communication involves almost every aspect of communication that is not directly verbal or auditory. This large category includes such components as body language, eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions. It is important for teachers to be highly aware of the nonverbal rules of their students’ cultures since these teachers may unknowingly offend students or their parents. For instance, body language, or “the way one holds and positions oneself,” is interpreted very differently in various cultures. To show the bottom of one’s shoe is considered a sign of disrespect in Arab cultures, so someone from such a culture might be insulted if a teacher sat with one leg resting on the other with the bottom of the foot visible. There are many other body positions that might be deemed hostile or impolite in other countries which seem perfectly acceptable to Americans. Such small movements can lead to large misunderstandings, which is why it is essential for teachers to have an awareness of the communicative regulations of the various cultures represented in their classrooms.
    ]]>     2018-10-08 05:35:44 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290142071     Hannah Decolongon https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290521868 1) Phonemes are the sounds that differentiate words in language. While teaching students who know minimal English, phonemes would be extremely useful because it will help them be able to tell the difference between similar sounding words. Since EL students learn a lot from listening, they could easily confuse certain phonemes (for example: bat and pat). That would be detrimental to their speaking skills as they would use the wrong words in sentences. This is why a working knowledge of phonemes would be useful, to help the kids learn correct english. 
    2) Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create correct sentences in a language. Knowledge of syntax is another important concept to know when learning a language. Different languages use different syntax, which can be a difficulty. Having knowledge of how syntax works will help the learner to structure their sentences correctly. For example: instead of saying "cat black" the correct syntax is "black cat". For someone learning their first language, syntax is learned by listening to those around them and by reading. They observe what they read and they hear the structure of how other people speak. 
    3) Hand gestures are a form of nonverbal communication. For example, the peace sign is used with tourists of all kinds. Though Americans see it as "peace out!" or a pose for pictures, in other places in the world it stands for something we all would rather not say. What we say with our gestures can be interpreted differently across different cultures. ]]>     2018-10-09 00:23:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290521868     Elijah Ewing https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290580223 1. A working knowledge of phonemes would be useful becasue you can help students pronounce different words, predict typical errors in pronunciation, and describe how to make the sound. Through this, teachers will be able to recognize each word and keep students from confusing phonemes that are alike. 
    2. Syntax: the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Syntax is importance because it will help a teacher help students make sense of things. A students' knowledge of syntax will help them structure sentences. 
    3. One form of nonverbal communication is facial expressions. This can affect different cultures in that it can mean something different cultures. A person may go to another country and raise their eyebrows at someone. In their country it might mean they look good, but in the culture of that country, it could mean something much worse. 

    ]]>     2018-10-09 06:51:05 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290580223     Kyle Bullington https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290856580 1. If the foreign language instructor has an understanding of phonemes, they will be able to understand why students are making errors with certain sounds. Phonemes show us the various sounds in each language. With this knowledge, the instructor would know if the English language learner has that specific sound in their native language. 
    2. Syntax refers to the structure of a sentence and the rules that govern that sentence. The syntax of ones native language is not typically taught to them, but  is internal knowledge from proximity learning. Proper knowledge of syntax helps English language learners properly form sentences.
    3. Nonverbal communication is anything that accompanies, complements, or takes the place of the verbal. Eye contact is a controversial form of nonverbal communication between cultures. In western culture, it is typically rude to not maintain eye contact with someone that you are speaking to. However, in eastern cultures, direct eye contact can be seen as rude and disrespectful. ]]>     2018-10-09 16:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/290856580     Rachel Shoemate https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/291927030 1.) Understanding rules and pronunciations in the English benefits the EL student because instruction can be altered and adjusted to meet each students need. Understanding other languages and pronunciations will help you be able to predict errors. Some languages, such as Chinese, it is hard for their mouths to form the movement or placement of their tongue to correctly pronounce English phonemes (i.e. dark vs. dock, or very vs. wary); knowledge of these challenges would help the EL teacher to guide them through pronunciation techniques.
    2.) Syntax: the way in which words are put together to form phrases or clauses. People learn syntax from exposure as a child learning to speak and hearing others speak in their mother tongue.
    3.) Gestures with your body is one form of nonverbal communication. In the United States point with your foot or leg to show direction or an object doesn't mean much to us, but in Thailand it is considered very rude, especially if you were to point to a Buddha statue. In the United States we greet each other with handshakes often, but in Thailand it is only done with close friends. Lastly, touching people on the head is not acceptable; the head is considered quite reverent, as it's the furthest part of the body away from the dirty ground (feet are dirty - don't show your soles), therefore NEVER touch a person's head in Thailand.]]>     2018-10-11 19:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/291927030     Timothy Patten https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/293012215 1. English is such a different language when it comes to pronunciation ELLs tend to struggle early.  In other languages like Spanish, a word is pronounced based on how it looks.  Anyone can easily pronounce a word in Spanish just by knowing how each consonant and vowel sound.  English on the other hand has a lot of phonemes that are pronounced differently than they appear.  Even people who speak English struggle new and unfamiliar words
    2.  Syntax refers to the structure of sentences and the rules that govern the formation of a sentence.  This knowledge helps ELL students know how a sentenced should be structured  correctly.
    3. Nonverbal Communication is anything that takes the place of the verbal.  Facial expressions is an interesting form of nonverbal communication because facial expressions can often be misinterpreted.  Fore example, a person could look to be upset because of their facial expression when in reality they could just be deep in thought]]>     2018-10-15 18:47:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/293012215     Darian Rahmat https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/305604532 Phonemes help with the basic pronunciations of the English language, as when it comes to other languages its easier to pronounce words. These will help teachers in ELL help students by being able to help with mispronunciations and missspellings to help correct students in the English language.
    2.Syntax is structure of sentences and the rule that govern the formation of a sentence. this will help with setting that structure for a sentence so that students can look to great structured sentences. 3. Nonverbal communication is anything that takes the place of a verbal, as facial expression os one of the forms of this communication. It is interesting to see because their can be misinterpertation of these forms of facial expressions. in example a person can look a person could look upset but in reality they are very neutral or just don't have the facial expression of showing happiness in a neutral feeling ]]>     2018-11-18 01:36:38 UTC https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/305604532     Wayne Engelstad. 1) Phonemes is understanding what letters and combinations of letters create what sounds. With a good knowledge of phonemes students can figure out words they may not know but if they know what sounds the letter combinations make they can figure it out. https://padlet.com/jean_buller/zeua445sy2x0/wish/312094110 2) Syntax is properly forming sentences. with a good knowledge of syntax students can figure out if a sentence is worded correctly just off of how it sounds. Students form this knowledge even before school through communication with other people. 
    3) Nonverbal communication is also very important and can differ based on culture. For instance, in some asian cultures it is disrespectful to make eye contact while someone is talking to you but in America it shows that you are listening when you make eye contact. Knowing a students background can help you understand their nonverbal communication techniques.

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