Teaching Oedipus Rex and Antigone to Immigrant Youth: Bridging the Cultural Gap

When teaching literature to immigrant youth who do not know the local language, choosing the right texts is crucial. Utilizing foreign works like Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Antigone requires a thoughtful approach to bridge the cultural and linguistic gap. This article explores techniques and resources that can make Oedipus Rex and Antigone accessible and engaging for immigrant students.

Why Use Foreign Texts?

Using a text that is both foreign to both the teacher and the student might initially seem counterintuitive. However, this approach can be highly effective when coupled with the right strategies. Think of it as utilizing schema theory, where you introduce a familiar cultural context to the student, making the new language and concepts easier to align with their existing knowledge and experiences.

Platform for Learning: Resource Recommendations

The 'Dick and Jane' reader series, 'David' series, and Dr. Seuss books are great for beginners, providing familiar stories and simple language. For teenagers, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series can capture their attention. If delving into Greek classics is desired, works by Edith Hamilton on Greek mythology can serve as an excellent introduction.

Mythological Context for Relevance

To make the learning experience more relevant, draw upon specific mythological contexts. Here are a few examples:

Origin of Planet Venus: Passage from Greek mythology, supplemented by Immanuel Velikovsky's theories can provide a scientific perspective, showing how mythology intersects with modern astronomy. The 7 Sisters Star Cluster: This constellation, also known as the Pleiades, is a fascinating topic that ties together myth, astronomy, and celestial navigation. The story of the 7 sisters, 6 married to gods and 1 to a mortal, provides a rich narrative that can grab the student's imagination. The Legend of Pegasus: Pegasus, the flying winged horse, can be discussed in the context of Revelation 09:7. This passage describes beings with crowns, teeth like lions, and wings like military chariots. The imagery of Pegasus in Greek myth can align well with this passage.

Engaging Plays: Recommendations

Other works by classic authors can also be effective. Starting with Julius Caesar, Ernest Hemingway's short stories, George Orwell's 1984, George Orwell's Animal Farm, or Joanne Rowling's Harry Potter can serve as engaging gateways to more complex literature.

Suggestions for Teaching

To make Oedipus Rex and Antigone accessible, here are some steps:

Tell the Background Story: Provide a simple and clear explanation of the background of Oedipus Rex and Antigone, focusing on the main characters and their relationships. Define Terms: Explain any difficult or unfamiliar terms that may arise, making the language more understandable. Use Visual Aids: Create or provide charts that illustrate the characters and their relationships. Summarize Acts: Summarize each act for better comprehension and retention. Watch Videos: Utilize high-quality video adaptations of these plays from platforms like YouTube to visualize the stories and make them more engaging.

Conclusion

By adopting a careful and strategic approach, you can teach Oedipus Rex and Antigone to immigrant youth effectively. The key is to build a foundation of familiar concepts and experiences, drawing on relevant mythological and scientific knowledge, and providing clear explanations and visual aids. With the right tools and techniques, you can help students appreciate and understand these timeless works of literature.