Resources for Learning about Other Cultures and Languages

One of the foundational pieces for learning more about your English Language Learners (ELLs) is finding out more about their cultural background and learning some about their native language (L1). There are resources available online to help you learn more about languages and cultures. Here are a few.

• Rhode Island Teachers of English Language Learners (RITELL) has compiled short Powerpoints about languages and countries from around the world in conjunction with M.Ed. TESL students at Rhode Island College
• Frankfurt International School's Language Differences page provides info on 16 different languages
• Ethnologue provides detailed information on over 7000 living languages from around the world
• Culture Crossing Guide provides basic information about cultural practices including a specific section for students
• Culture Grams is the classic resource now available online courtesy of Heartland AEA Databases (NOTE: Requires login using Heartland login credentials specific to your building)
• Cultural Orientation Resource (COR) Center provides publications about various refugee populations
• Cultural and Linguistic Resources for ELs in Connecticut (and beyond) 19 country cards created through a TAT Program grant at Southern Connecticut State University
• Bridging Refugee Youth & Children's Services (BRYCS) Refugee Populations Resources

We also have some resources available in print in our K-12 ESL Lending Library. Click here to read about them. Colorin Colorado suggests other ways for Educators to learn about their students' backgrounds in their article, and Educational Leadership published an article on the topic, too. Often families are pleased to share more information about their culture if someone shows an interest, so just ask!