Features

Managing Equality and Diversity, Part 6: Language and Culture - Culture club

How can settings be understanding of and open to children and staff’s different cultures, asks Gabriella Jozwiak

[asset_library_tag 2056,Download the pdf of this article]

When a 19-year-old from Nigeria went to study at Drexel University, Philadelphia, she was confronted with an American roommate who asked why she could speak English so well. ‘She was confused when I said that Nigeria happened to have English as its official language. She asked if she could listen to what she called my “tribal music”, and was consequently very disappointed when I produced my tape of Mariah Carey. Her default position toward me, as an African, was a kind of patronising, well-meaning pity. My roommate had a single story of Africa: a single story of catastrophe.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here