Eng2611 Ass3

8/12/2024 ENG2611
ASSIGNMENT 03
UNIQUE NO: 858995
NAME: HENDRIKA WITBOOI

STUDENT NO: 11955155
The Role of Pictures on the Enhancement of Cultural Diversity and Literacy Skills
Among English First Additional Language Learners
Introduction
This essay focuses on the challenges that hinder English FAL learners from attaining
linguistic competence in the South African education system specifically in the
Foundation and Intermediate Phases. As it can be seen, due to the multitude of
students, who can have some level of reading impairment, the teachers are in a search
for a new effective approach to the teaching technologies, one of which can be the
utilization of the multimodal materials. Thus, this essay illustrates the importance of
embracing pictures as instructional aids to address the issues of cultural diversity and
enhance the literacy levels of the English FAL learners. As a result, from the outlined
academic sources and the insights identified in the ENG2611 Study Guide, I will
elaborate on how the use of visual content can improve the literacy level, as well as
interculturality in a classroom setting.
Understanding the Context: English FAL Learners and Cultural Diversity
FAL English learners are most times exposed to English in a context that is cultural
diversity. The population composition of South Africa can be described as multicultural
and diverse due to ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. That is why cultural diversity
must become an important aspect in the teaching-learning model, as the authors of the
article identify in the research by Omodan and Ige (2021). Their study focuses on
democratic education and ubuntuism which enhances the appreciation and recognition
of the other’s rights and presence, a very vital aspect when handling classes of
diversity.
The Role of Pictures in Teaching Cultural Diversity
Learners are known to benefit from pictures as they work as viable tools that can be
used to lesson the topic of cultural diversity. Some cultural stories, which might be quite
difficult to put into words, can be summed up in one picture. For example, a photo that
represents a traditional cultural event will induce students to discuss such
characteristics of the culture as values, beliefs, and events. This supports what
Steenkamp emphatically postulated in 2021 that visuals aid in minimising
communication barriers especially to learners who may have difficulties in language
comprehension.
Using pictures breaks the prospect of group learning. Some of the techniques that can
be used by teachers are making students discuss in groups to give their opinions about
the image. As a result, learners participate in peer learning, which at the same time
confirms their cultural knowledge and introduces them to other cultural aspects. In so
doing, such methods not only contribute to improving their understanding of diversity but
also assist in the development of competencies that are essential for growing
individuals’ sense of belonging, which is a core aspect of socio-emotional development.
Developing Literacy Skills through Pictures
It is also significant that the use of pictures can complements the enhancement of
literacy skills of learners in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases. Venketsamy and
Sibanda (2021) stress the need for fostering literacy education among the learners,
especially those with EAL. In the following manner, the use of pictures is applicable for
all educational activities, which contribute to this aim: For instance, the teachers may
challenge the learners to develop a story out of the picture, where the learners would
need to explain what they see and the events that they think may happen next as it is
done in picture sequencing. Besides sparking the imagination, it also makes learners
express what they think in words and adds to their vocabulary and grammar maturity.
Furthermore, it is possible to help educators organize tasks that would help them foster
connections between images and words to the learners. This learning style correlates
with the multimodal texts whereby in getting information, students use multiple modes
such as text, audio, visual, and even feeling. Thus, such strategies may be useful for
helping FAL learners as they tend to learn in environment that is replete with context
that enhance meaning.
Benefits of Using Pictures in Literacy and Intercultural Awareness
Incorporation of picture in lessons is not only significant in helping student to learn to

read and write but also in the sphere of internationalization. Instead, when learners
examine images of people from different cultures, they get to experience the existence
of other cultures, which enrich their visions. This process entails recognition and
appreciation of other people’s feelings, which is helpful in nurturing a healthy
environment for learning. Through interactions of learners which favor the variety of
views, they are able to gain critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the
cultural diversity that prevails in South Africa.
Conclusion
Therefore, pictures are useful tools when it comes to the teaching of English FAL
learners on the topic of culture diversity as well as enhancing their literacy. Therefore,
using visual contents, it is possible to make the classes inclusive and promote critical,
cultural competence. Incorporation of pictures is also not only language facilitating for
the learners but also fosters the main intercultural skills that equip the learners to fit in a
globalized world. Therefore, teacher’s marking of pedagogic strategies, especially
regarding visualization and the use of visual texts, needs to be effective in order to
promote active learning for all learners.
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REFERENCE:
1. ENG2611 Study guide
2. Omodan BI, and Ige, OA. 2021. Managing diversity in schools: The place of
democratic education and ubuntuism in South Africa. Journal of Transdisciplinary
Research in Southern Africa. 7(1), a854. https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v17i1.854
3. Steenkamp, U. 2021. Cultural Diversity and Its Influence on Role Players in a Full-
Service School in Soshanguve: A Wellness Perspective. European Journal of
Education. 4(1): 23-39.
4. Venketsamy, R. and Sibanda, S. 2021. Exploring Strategies Teachers Use to

Develop Literacy Skills among English First Additional Language Learners in the
Foundation Phase. Perspectives in Education. 39 (2): 253-266.
Name and student number: Hendrika 11955155…….
Assignment DECLARATION
Module code: …ENG2611………………………
I declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary

material has been used (either from a printed source or from the Internet),
this has been carefully acknowledged and referenced in accordance with
departmental requirements. I understand what plagiarism is and am aware
of the department’s policy in this regard. I have not allowed anyone else to
borrow or copy my work.
Signature: H.WITBOOI…………………
Date: …11-08-24………….

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8/12/2024 ENG2611

NAME: HENDRIKA WITBOOI

Understanding the Context: English FAL Learners and Cultural Diversity

The Role of Pictures in Teaching Cultural Diversity

Developing Literacy Skills through Pictures

Benefits of Using Pictures in Literacy and Intercultural Awareness

Incorporation of picture in lessons is not only significant in helping student to learn to

1. ENG2611 Study guide

4. Venketsamy, R. and Sibanda, S. 2021. Exploring Strategies Teachers Use to

Module code: …ENG2611………………………

I declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary

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