To the girl in English class

Similar to the Karen Leung video in this section of the library, this TikTok video by Hafsat Abdullahi is another unfortunate but great example of an English language learner speaking about their own experience learning English and facing discrimination.

Part of having a culturally responsive and sustaining classroom is using diverse perspectives and materials that are relevant to learners’ lives. Many of our learners use social media, so think about how you could incorporate more relevant videos in class to work on listening that leads into powerful discussions that learners can relate to. Provide space for learners to process language bias they face, and affirm for them that they do not have to lose their accent to be a proficient English speaker. Many people all over the world speak English with many different accents. Work on intelligibility, not assimilation. Have students create their own Spoken Word Poetry!