Working As/With English Language Learners

While English may be a primary language for conducting business, it is not necessarily the mother tongue for all of the people in the workplace. Let's discuss some of the issues that we encounter in the workplace or community as a result of having English Language Learners (ELL) in our midst. First, read and consider this poem by Aminata Keita.Keita, A. (2012). My Accent. Spare Change News. Retrieved from http://sparechangenews.net/news/poems-aminata-keita This poem is also published in Keita, A. (2012). Struggles of a Dreamer. Somerville, MA: Books of Hope. ISBN 978-1-937231-20-0 Used with permission. For the Discussion: If you are an ELL where English is not your first language, please share your experiences in trying to effectively communicate with English speakers. What is helpful? What is frustrating? If you are a native English speaker, please share some of your experiences in working with ESL/ELL colleagues, customers, relatives or friends. It may help to realize that there are many types of English language learners. Use the chart to help pinpoint the type of speaker you are referencing.