What's Confusing

This chart illustrates how differences in the area of language can lead to stereotyping and may diminish learning. It also shows that a non-Aboriginal instructor/tutor who is not aware of such things as the need for allowing pauses between sentences is much less likely to be effective when working with Aboriginal learners.

What’s confusing to English speakers about Athabaskans What’s confusing to Athabaskans about English speakers
They do not speak. They talk too much.
They keep silent. They always talk first.
They avoid situations of talking. They talk to strangers or people they don’t know.
They only want to talk to close acquaintances. They think they can predict the future.
They play down their own abilities. They brag about themselves.
They act as if they expect things to be given to them. They don’t help people even when they can.
They deny planning. They always talk about what’s going to happen later.
They avoid direct questions. They ask too many questions.
They talk off topic. They always interrupt.
They never say anything about themselves. They only talk about what they are interested in.
They are slow to take a turn in talking. They don’t give others a chance to talk.
They ask questions in unusual places. They are always getting excited when they talk.
They talk with a flat tone of voice. They aren’t careful when they talk about things or people.
They are too indirect; they aren’t explicit.  
They don’t make sense.  
They just leave without saying anything.  

Saskatchewan level 2 learning how to learn. (2001). Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Literacy Network. Used with permission. Contact the Network at www.sk.literacy.ca or 1-888-511-2111.

Handout 3.11