Let's Talk Writing
Writing in a language that isn't your first can be a herculean task, filled with challenges and misunderstandings, especially when it comes to receiving feedback. As a writing coach, I’ve worked with several ESL (English as a Second Language) or exophonic writers, and I've seen firsthand how destabilizing and misleading feedback from assessors can be.
Understanding the ESL Writer's Journey
ESL writers often face a unique set of challenges in expressing themselves. They are not just conveying a story; they are doing so in a language that may not have grown up speaking. This journey requires immense courage and resilience. As a writing coach, recognizing and respecting this journey is paramount.
Feedback That Disorients
Many of my ESL clients have shared their experiences with me of receiving feedback that left them more confused than before. Comments like “do it again, only do it better” or "try writing it differently" or "this paragraph meanders" are vague and unhelpful. Such feedback lacks direction and fails to consider the individual writer’s context, voice, and intent.
A Compassionate Feedback Approach
When I provide feedback, my focus is on three key aspects: Context, Voice, and Intent.
- Context: It's vital to understand the writer’s work within its genre. What are the norms and conventions of this genre, and how does the writer’s work fit into this broader landscape? This understanding helps in giving feedback that is relevant and useful.
- Voice: Each writer has a unique voice, a way they interact with language and their chosen genre. Recognizing and nurturing this voice is crucial, especially for ESL writers who might be grappling with expressing themselves in a non-native language.
- Intent: What is the writer trying to say? What are their goals, visions, and the core message of their story? Feedback should aim to align with these intentions, helping writers refine their message without losing their essence. I once had a writing client whose previous coach had told her to make her main character speak more fluently and without an accent. The writer's intent to was to convey the main character's immigrants experience, much like her own, and show how it is hard to be understood sometimes. (The irony here was astounding to me).
Empathy in Feedback
The key to effective feedback for ESL writers lies in empathy and understanding. It’s about meeting writers where they are and helping them find confidence in their voice. As a coach, I strive to create a space where feedback is a tool for growth, not a source of confusion. Remember, every writer deserves feedback that respects their journey and helps them move forward in their unique storytelling path.
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about writing in a second language my friend Zoe Gomez Cass has a podcast dedicated to it. It's called the Exophonic Writer, and it's great.
