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Classic Quotes For Freedom
Why do you recommend using classic quotations in ESL classrooms? "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free…it expects what never was and never will be." Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Classic quotations, like proverbs, goes back even more than 2,000 years and brings in many insights from religious leaders and philosophers such as Buddha, Confucius, Aristotle, and the Biblical prophets in a compelling, succinct manner. These quotations remind us that some conversations have spanned centuries and cultures. Further, you can bridge two, three, and more quotations to present a wide range of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. Some quotations might make you laugh, some might make you sigh, and a few might even annoy you. Yet bringing "the wisdom of the ages" into your English language classroom elevates the discussion. It can also make students to feel safer in presenting their idea in a candid manner. This technique helps students both participate in the conversation, and add their own perspectives and ideas. Our classrooms should be a vibrant place where students can explore and exchange ideas and experience free speech. Incorporating classic quotations also helps preserve the insights and comments of well-known and significant cultural figures. This technique helps both teachers and students escape the too-common delusion that the world began when we were born and brings about a larger perspective. Sometimes knowing the speaker and historical era invites another way of looking at our modern lives. Finally, a stunning number of both adult education and college students need to be introduced to significant artists, writers, leaders, and philosophers from the past. Academic literacy requires some degree of cultural and historical awareness. I always include the dates and identify the occupation of various figures to both introduce and gently cajole students into seeking out more information on significant cultural and historical figures. Is adding dates really necessary? Yes, given the actual state of common knowledge among ESL students. Something is profoundly wrong with American education when a majority of American high school seniors in public schools can not name the war that occurred when Abraham Lincoln was president. I believe including quotations, in context, provides a small counter to this shocking level of historic amnesia. I remain confident that our ESL students, especially adult immigrants seeking naturalization as U.S. citizens, will develop a solid grasp of our nation's history. Throwing in a few quotations from historical figures can only help. "Liberty can not be preserved without a general knowledge among the people." John Adams (1735-1826)U.S. President and contributor to the Declaration of Independence Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Eric H. Roth currently teaches English at the University of Southern California to international students. He has previously taught English and writing to immigrants, refugees, and college students from over 50 countries. He is also the co-author of Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics, an ESL and EFL textbook to improve speaking skills. (Free chapters can be found at www.CompellingConversations.com) |
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