{"id":6323,"date":"2019-12-03t18:06:12","date_gmt":"2019-12-03t18:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/?p=6323"},"modified":"2019-12-03t18:06:12","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03t18:06:12","slug":"embrace-english-language-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/blog\/embrace-english-language-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"why we should all embrace english language learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

from berkeley\u2019s position as the nation\u2019s first sanctuary city<\/a> to san francisco\u2019s recent high ranking on immigrant integration<\/a> in the new american economy\u2019s cities index, the bay area (home to magoosh hq)<\/em> has long been known as a beacon of inclusivity. when it comes to our attitudes towards language learners however, our promise of welcome sometimes falls short. <\/p>\n

in my work teaching students english over the last 15 years, they\u2019ve often revealed to me how quickly native english speakers can be to ridicule them. <\/p>\n

as native english speakers, we often take for granted just how hard a language like english is to learn, and can be quick to shame those still gaining proficiency. but it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. <\/p>\n

the trouble with english <\/h2>\n

the stakes are high for english language learners of all ages. about 20% of california public school students<\/a> are english language learners, the highest proportion in the country. universities use exams like the test of english as a foreign language (toefl) to make admissions decisions, and various countries use the international english testing language system (ielts) exam as a component of their immigration process. <\/p>\n

generally, my students work incredibly hard to improve their english skills, and research<\/a> has shown that it takes seven years of full immersion and focused study to be able to function at a high level academically or professionally. <\/p>\n

if you\u2019re thinking that seems like a lot of effort, you\u2019d be right. just how hard can english be to learn?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

consider the case of \u201carticles\u201d (a, an, the), the most commonly-used english words. if you are a native english speaker, you use these words without thinking. but imagine having to explain the differences between:<\/p>\n