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Posted by:
Kathleen Serverian-Wilmeth
Research/tech assistance org
Providence, RI
Topic:
Kathleen Wilmeth responds
Message:
A language barrier can be an obstacle to successful communication between parents and teachers. However, if a strong effort is made to foster good relationships amongst students, teachers, and parents, this barrier can be removed. Parents or guardians need to be encouraged to assume an active presence in the school. A formal cross-cultural exploration about understandings of the role of parents in the school may be necessary.
In order for real communication to take place, both teachers and parents need to understand each other’s priorities and expectations well. Teachers and schools can work toward this understanding by inviting in parents to the school for orientation with the assistance of interpreters. If it is not possible or comfortable for parents to come to school, an effort needs to be made to go to parents with an interpreter, if necessary.
Essentially, once respect is established between the parent and the teacher, further interaction can develop.
A teacher can never give up trying to develop a close communicative relationship with the parent. Every avenue should be examined. Third parties may be enlisted to help. Extended family members can often become interpreters. It is important, however, not to use the student as the go-between. In many cultures, this causes the student to play an inappropriate role within the family structure. This can place the parent in a very uncomfortable position. It can also lead to a decrease in communication.
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