The Lottery By Shirley Analysis

To begin, I want to define assimilation which according to the Oxford dictionary means “The absorption and integration of people, ideas, or culture into a wider society or culture” After see this definition I may say that we as humans, we are always trying to adapt to new cultural environments in the places where we are living. So, when a child or an adult move to a different place or to a different country, they consciously or unconsciously tend to adjust themselves to the new culture of the dominant population. Talking about assimilation I think that a person in his/her own choice, can opt how much they want to integrate to the new culture. To illustrate this point and giving an example of my own, I would say that in my case I always want

to completely integrate to the U.S. culture and way of life. However, that it is not the case of everyone who comes to this country. For instance I know many people that still want to hold their home country culture and norms and only integrate to U.S. society in a second hand dimension. Nevertheless, every person is different and some are a little more liberal adapting to new cultural environments, while others in the other hand are kind of conservative, trying to embrace their cultural heritage until the very last end.
Then, during the reading Shirley was trying to do what the three theories of assimilation called the melting pot, which means that she was trying to mix with the other kids’ culture.

However, because of the cultural barriers such language, and social misunderstanding Shirley was forced to apart herself from the other kids. Like for example, in page 54-55 of the book, it is showed how Shirley was trying to become friend with the other kids, but her poor knowledge of English and her misinterpretation of common norms obstructed her of do that. This kind of situation happen as result that the other children, as well as the teacher were looking at Shirley as another regular student and not as one with different needs. Of course, it is also important to know, that most of Shirley’s needs where friendship and empathy as well as understanding. Similarly, the text during chapter one talks a little bit about how cultural differences can affect teaching and learning (9). But, also it mentions how we can become participants and observers in our own classroom (10). As the book mentions it is completely important to observe and interact with each student to understand his/her needs so they can have a better succeed during school

(10).
Continuing with some examples of cultural misunderstanding, idioms and hidden rules inside the school setting.

One of the most commons delusions forms that an English Language Learner must face inside the classroom setting, is in fact, the deal with different idioms and pronunciations forms. Idioms such “are you straight bro? Instead of “are you sure?” or “I'm outta here” instead of “I am leaving”. This form of language can be difficult and confusing for an Ell student due to its mixed choice of words and meanings. As a matter of fact, unless you are familiar with the local idioms and phrases employed by the popular community, this type of language can be as equally difficult for an ELL beginner than for an ELL expert. Also, another kind of delusion that Students from different culture have to deal with, are the hidden rules and norm that every individual holds. Norm such how to act, how and when to talk and what is valuable and what is dishonest are some example of norm that a student may be struggling with inside the classroom. Like, to illustrate my point some culture from the Middle East value family and faith so much and for us as Americans it is a little bit the contrary. So, Middle Easter students will be having a hard time trying to adapt to a culture, where faith it is considered an idea and where kids are more likely to disobey that to act

appropriately.
Finally, to be honest I kind of see my own self while I was reading Sherley story. I mean, I also had to deal with situation as she did and I also felt lonely when the other boys didn’t want to talk to me as result of my English deficiency. However, the circumstances and struggles with which I had to deal, gave be some kind of experience of what an ELL student could be struggling with. So, I kind of know what is to be an ELL and how difficult it is to be the new student that not even know how to talk. I hope one day I can help many children as Sherley and provide everything to make their learning easy and secure.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/assimilation