Understanding Languages and Culture at BIS Hanoi

Understanding Languages and Culture at BIS Hanoi Learning a language at BIS Hanoi goes beyond memorising words and basic grammar rules. Understanding the culture of the language that our students are learning has become our new teaching goal in the MFL department. Culture knowledge is not only providing the context that is allowing our students to give the right meaning to each new word, it has given a way to understand values, beliefs and customs around the world, without leaving Hanoi!

Learning a language at BIS Hanoi goes beyond memorising words and basic grammar rules. Understanding the culture of the language that our students are learning has become our new teaching goal in the MFL department. Culture knowledge is not only providing the context that is allowing our students to give the right meaning to each new word, it has given a way to understand values, beliefs and customs around the world, without leaving Hanoi!

When studying languages, you need motivation to progress with verbs, tenses and hundreds of new words, maybe even new letters. When you apply all this new information in a cultural context, it helps you to engage at a different level with the language. Culture is essential to learning a language, to communicate, to enjoy lessons and it has opened up a door that introduces a new side of a language: the human side.

In Primary, each student has been exposed to as many cultural events as possible, including music, religion, festivals, food and much more. They had the opportunity to explore Charlotte in Paris and Juana y Lucas, focusing on the experiences of two children describing their adventures and introducing two magnificent cities: Paris and Bogota.

The reading challenge in Secondary has kicked off with a fantastic competition that has allowed students to identify, research and analyse different points of view and perspectives from stories and books from all over the world. For example, Qué calor Hace en la Antártida has provided the right context for them to engage on more sophisticated topics such as Children's rights but from an octopus perspective! 

By understanding cultural differences while learning a language, BIS Hanoi students will find new ways to develop their language skills and get a completely new view of the world. 

Lina Rojas Ramirez

MFL Leader / TESMC Leader (BIS HN)