Problems Associated with the Issue of Discrimination - Essay Example

? A Problem Exists The discussion conducted in this paper mainly emphasizes towards providing the most effective solutions to mitigate the problems faced by foreign English learners in terms of their perceived variances. This study argues that the perceived discrimination as observed amid the foreign English learners can be mitigated with the application of effective measures based on ethos, pathos, logos and credibility principles. The detailed evaluation thus explains that foreign English learners are needed to be treated sympathetically and that there is a substantial need to enhance awareness among the native English speakers regarding their moral role simultaneously in the context. A Problem Exists English, as an international language, is measured to be one of the most commonly spoken languages around the globe. Historically, the language is regarded as a West Germanic language mostly articulated in initial primitive England (Mydans, 2007). Over the recent years, the language has been adapted by many nations as their first language, especially those located in the western hemisphere of the globe. The scenario seems to be completely opposite in some regions however; especially in the Asian region. It is in this context that with the advent of globalization and greater need of exposure in the world society, common people are motivated to migrate from their home countries and locate in western countries. This in turn has resulted in the growing acceptance of the language and correspondingly to the augmenting necessity to gain proficiency in speaking English. However, the increase in the migration rate from Asian countries and the issue of discrimination from the English communities in the present days often deceive the foreign learners intending to learn the language to perceive a false imprint of discrimination’ (Jimenez, 2011). THESIS STATEMENT After identifying the three prime problems associated with the issue of perceived discrimination, i.e. Social and Cultural Problems, Complexity issues and Inequality impacts, this paper intends to provide appropriate solutions that can assist organizations in mitigating these challenges. Additionally the paper would also provide the advantage of the stated solution, which would help in measuring the intensity of the stated solutions over other. Discussion The increasing trend of adopting English as the first language by both the society and business are not only inspiring people to pursue their education in English language but are also motivating them to learn the language as it would help them to get a better job in the near future in the global realm. The importance of learning English has been viewed as increasing in countries that are developing at a rapid pace and therefore striving to strengthen their positioning within the global plethora. Countries like China, India and other Asian nations located in the South Asian region are replacing their national language with English as the medium of providing education and developing communication skills of the workforce to be able to compete globally. Correspondingly, it has been viewed that people who migrate to other countries often feel a sense of perceived discrimination’, at times tend to affect their academic and social life to a substantial extent (Jeffrey, n.d.). Correspondingly, problems in terms of social and cultural disparity, complexities in communicating and inequality between communities are identified. 1. Solution to Social and Cultural Problem It has often been viewed that people who migrate to western counties from the Asian region are basically individuals who consider English as a Second Language (ESL) and are often clarified as the basic foreign learners of the language. These students often find it difficult to ask questions to their teachers or work in coordination with their fellow-classmates when they get admitted in colleges or university outside their nation owing to their perceived social and cultural differences. Emphasizing this concern, if large non-government organization collaborates with different academic and colleges to establish class sessions focusing on factors, it would help in developing the skills of the foreign English learners to a considerable extent. This would not only motivate them to concentrate in their studies, but would also help them in developing confidence among other students in the class. It has been measured that over the past 50 years, the number of English learners has nearly doubled and was around 5 million in the year 2008. It is further estimated that by 2025, nearly one out of every four public schools in America would have English Language Learner (ELL). Correspondingly, it has been viewed that large organizations like National Education Association (NEA) are taking initiatives to fill up the gap amid ELL students and the foreign learners who excel in the language. Additionally, the organization is also collaborating with many communities and associations to develop programs and strategies that would help in improving the skills of the ELLs, minimizing their perceived social and cultural divergences (Wisconsin Education Association Council, 2008). Considering, the aspect of rhetorical strategies, the above mentioned solution can be considered under the category of Pathos (Emotional) or tends to have emotional appeal. The reason behind stating it emotional or pathos is that the suggested solution not only helps in developing a mutual understanding, but also develops a sense of understanding amid the people and the different associations about their roles and responsibilities for the foreign English learners in a sympathetic manner (Durham Technical Community College, n.d.). 2. Solution to the Complexity Issue With the growing importance and acceptance of the English language around the globe, it has become vital for everyone to have a good knowledge of the language. As it has been viewed that people who have a good knowledge of English possess higher chances of availing better employment opportunity being competent at the global level in comparison to an ESL individual, participation of such individuals in motivating the ESLs can be deemed as quite fruitful in mitigating their perceived complexity issues. Considering the complexity issue, providing basics of the English language to the ELL candidates would not only help them in understanding that English is not as complex as they feel and therefore, develop a good idea as well as confidence regarding the subject. Additionally, providing them with audio as well as theoretical learning materials as per their convenience, would not only provide them ample opportunity to learn the language more easily but would also provide them with the scope to learn the language more easily in-spite of the complexity issues persisting in their native language. It has also been viewed that English learners, especially those belonging from nations like Korea and Japan among other Asian countries, find it to be more difficult to communicate using the English language owing to their poor vocabulary. In this respect, providing lessons that would help in understanding the language and its terms in a more detailed way would help in the adoption of the language by these groups of foreign English learners (Piller & Skillings, 2005). With respect to the above stated solutions to mitigate the problem of perceived complexity identified amid the foreign English language learners, the solutions can be categorized as Logos (Logical). The vital reason behind categorizing the sated solution under the Logos rhetorical strategy is that, it not only would help in mitigating the problem but would also provide a base for developing several alternative solutions to avoid such issues in a more sustainable manner (Durham Technical Community College, n.d.). 3. Solution to the aspect of Inequality The aspect of perceived inequality is becoming a major problem in the society resulting from the growing economical differences and the dissimilarities in life styles followed in various regions. Today’s world seems to be completely different from what it was decades ago. With the advent of globalization and the increasing technology as a promising way of conducting business, the learning English language has been advocated as a major competitive attribute in almost every business sector as well as in social sectors. This has developed a sense of inequality amid those who are proficient in speaking the language and individuals who consider English as a second language and thus, perceive such differences. To mitigate this particular issue, schools and colleges can conduct different programs to provide adequate opportunity for the students from foreign nations to highlight their skills. Additionally, if students are provided with proper assistance from the professors or teachers while performing academic projects in English, this would substantially help in building a sense of mutual understanding amid the teachers and students. Formation of teams in the classroom environment, constituting of both ESLs and native English speakers can also help in mitigating the issues of perceived individual inequality. Furthermore, conducting friendly activities within the classroom environment, at regular intervals, would also help in developing a mutual understanding amid the native English speakers and the English learners, which would help them in realizing that the issue of inequality is perceived rather than actual (Nelson, 2011). Considering this particular issue of inequality, the above stated solutions have been provided after analyzing several similar cases and can be categorized under the dimension of ethos (Credibility). The reason behind categorizing it under ethos it that the solution would not only provide a rational understanding on how ELLs are viewed and thus, making them realize their perceived errors, but would also help in developing a sense of ethical constrains within the native English speakers, which in the long-run may reduce the conduct of actual inequality practices (Durham Technical Community College, n.d.). Conclusion The issue of perceived discrimination amid foreign learners is considered to be a growing issue in today’s world. Traditionally, it has been viewed that people who were ELLs were being bullied or were criticized by many individuals who had a good knowledge of the language. However, today the scenario seems to be completely opposite hereby several legal bodies are implementing strategies that contribute towards mitigating these issues, and accordingly, building confidence within ELLs. Altogether, this has helped them to stand equally with individuals who excel in the language. The issue of perceived discrimination is also considered to be resulting from certain historical events that have occurred in the past, establishing an image of negligence by the society. Thus, the above stated solutions can be of major help is implemented within various colleges and universities that are the first choice of many foreign students. References Durham Technical Community College. (n.d.). A general summary of Aristotle’s appeals. Retrieved from http://courses.durhamtech.edu/perkins/aris.html Jimenez, T. R. (2011). Immigrants in the United States: How Well Are They Integrating into Society? Improving US and EU Immigrating Systems, pp. 1-25. Jeffrey, D. M. (n.d.). Opinions on the social and cultural impact of English as an international language. Retrieved from http://www.nuis.ac.jp/~hadley/publication/jeffrey/Jeffrey-EIL.htm Mydans, S. (2007). Across cultures, English is the word. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/14/world/asia/14iht-14englede.5705671.html?_r=0 Nelson, C. (2011). The Complexity of Language Learning. International Journal of Instruction, 4(2), pp. 93- 112. Piller, B., & Skillings, M. J. (2005). English language teaching strategies used by primary teachers in one New Delhi, India School. California State University, 9(3). Wisconsin Education Association Council. (2008). English Language Learners Face Unique Challenges. An NEA Policy Brief, pp. 1-4. Read More