Episode Name: Justice for Multilingualism

Chris - Hello hello everyone my name is Chris and everyone welcome back to our podcast! On
today’s episode we'll be discussing a very important topic! What is the importance of
multilingualism in the classroom? Multilingualism is important because it helps us to understand
how to communicate with different cultures and backgrounds. This will help blend the different
surrounding perspectives to make society integrated as possible. This is extra important in the

classroom! I feel like this is an important topic because it seems as if students are being policed
for being multilingual. This is something that we need to normalize and integrate better in
society! What do yall think?
Avital - Yes I definitely agree, teachers should value multilingual learners and allow them to
express themselves using multiple languages. I also believe students are more engaged in the
classroom when they feel comfortable and heard. So it is important for teachers to be welcoming
and accepting of all students despite their differences. The teacher's perspective of
multilingualism will affect the students’ perspective too. We want the students to be able to see
how diverse society can be.
Anna W -
I also think that showing students how diverse society is, is such a significant aspect of being a
teacher. As we work to prevent language ideologies within a classroom setting, we must make a
safe environment for all learners in a classroom setting. When participating in activities in the
classroom, we can implement all languages by encouraging students to share with their peers. By
embracing all languages in a classroom setting, this will not create barriers to multilingual
learning. It is important for all teachers to learn about their students from their culture to the
multiple languages they are able to speak. Communication and collaborative activities in a
classroom will encourage a strong relationship in a learning environment. Hearing students speak
various languages in a classroom should always be a part of the learning process and inclusion of
all languages should not be looked upon as a “difference”. Some examples of classroom
activities that will encourage this environment can be a wall dedicated to multilingual words,
name labels with cultural backgrounds, or even simply greeting one another in their preferred
language.
Analiese - Multilingualism can be incorporated into the classroom setting by implementing
culture within the lessons and activities that the students participate in. For example, there can be
a cultural show and tell day each month where all students bring in an item that is related to their
culture and explains its significance and importance to them and their families. When all students
are engaging in the activity, they will be actively listening while also learning about one
another’s culture in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Avital- The idea of a cultural show actually reminds me of an activity I did in elementary school.
Around thanksgiving break my teacher decided to do a cultural activity where we were asked to
bring meals that were part of our culture. We would say the name of the dish and the ingredients.
Then we would share our meals with our classmates. This was a great way to spark curiosity and
encourage multilingualism and multiculturalism in the classroom.

Anna G - As future teachers, we know the importance of making students feel comfortable in
your presence and classroom. We need to do better than the teachers that came before and strive
to make the future generations have confidence in themselves to be successful in their future. We
appreciate each and every one of you for tuning in and hearing