1. Can you think of words in English that are similar to words in another language you speak or have studied? Provide some examples and explain why and how they are similar.

i. These similar words across languages are called cognates and are a useful tool for helping MLs acquire new vocabulary in English. Now knowing more about the history of English, how could you explain to students why cognates exist and how best to take advantage of them?

2. Think of a conversation you had in which a speaker (maybe you) used indirectness. Was it effective? Was there any misunderstanding? Did the participants in the conversation seem to appreciate or resent the indirectness? Negotiations with roommates or family members about accomplishing chores are often a rich source of examples.

3. How do you think MLs' home culture influences their acquisition of English?