As mentioned previously, we should be aware of what element of Canadian culture we represent (middle-class etc.) Giving surveys can be meaningful because:

  1. it reinforces the notion that the tutor's beliefs are not necessarily the same as everyone else.
  2. it gives the learner the opportunity to meet other people and converse with them in a meaningful way.
  3. the learner will gain more confidence in her "English ability".

Surveys for beginning learners

Beginning learners may not feel comfortable finding people to talk to them about cultural issues. You could, however, use surveys to examine cultural issues together. ESL Toolbox: Ready-to-Use Enrichment Activities for LINC Classes 13 has a number of questionnaires that you and the learner can use to gain information about culture. Topics include: men and women, work, school, family, and manners (what is polite / impolite in certain social situations.) Some surveys are included in Additional Resources: Cultural Surveys.

In these exercises, there are three categories: in my country, in Canada, and in "my opinion." These exercises will give you a chance to: learn about your learner's culture, discover what your learner knows about Canadian culture and, using follow-up questions, find out how your learner interprets the activity around her. The activity recognizes that the learner will not necessarily agree with the cultural norms of her native country or the prevalent cultural norms in Canada.

" I encourage people to talk about differences they see between their culture and ours. But I try not to be defensive when they are critical because, indeed, there are many aspects of our culture that not only they do not like, but I too find wanting. It is not my job to impose cultural norms and values on anyone, but rather to inform them, to the best of my ability, what those norms and values are and what might be the consequences of choosing not to adhere to them. It is not my place to judge their decisions." 14

13 Ormiston et al., The ESL Tool Box: Ready-to-Use Enrichment Activities for LINC Classes (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: University Extension Press, 1995.)
14 Virginia Sauvé, Voices and Visions: An Introduction to Teaching ESL (Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada, 2000), p.97. Used by permission.