Since my parents are both first-generation Americans and I grew up surrounded by myriads of different cultures in New York City and north Jersey, I was--and continue to be--very fortunate to have exposure to different cultures. I wanted to continue exploring different facets of cultural exchange and learn how to incorporate them into my pedagogy. If we are to live in a more culturally tolerant and accepting society, I truly believe that it starts with education and exposure to different ways of knowing and existing in our world. A lot of strife in our world is rooted in cultural misunderstanding and the omnipresence of negative stereotypes. If education systems promoted active listening and empathy alongside culturally and linguistically diverse curriculum, we all may end up possessing a better understanding of each other. I approach teaching English in España with this mission and mindset.
While learning a language enables us to communicate with different cultures, I also believe that learning a new language also empowers us to understand different walks of life. Not every word has a direct translation; some words in another language have culturally specific meanings, which I’ve learned firsthand coming to España. I learned one of these words during my Spanish language class that I take twice a week and it is something I have been experiencing a lot during my time here. This word is morriña. While it roughly translates to homesickness, its more specific Spanish definition conveys a deeper meaning.
