Homes where English is not the primary or heritage language results in linguistic experiences that shape the perceptions and views of the speakers particularly in reference to vocabulary, but also what might constitute acceptable ways of communicating that can include:

• Comfort with basic grammatical errors; 
• Use of code-switching;
• Frequent use of slang or colloquial terminology;
• Uncommon or unusual pragmatics; and,
• Variances in general language usage.

Let's practice with some common idioms that English speakers typically understand. If English is not your first or primary language, reading the first statement may very hard (or impossible!) to easily understand. That's how listening to idioms or casual terms may feel to multilingual learners. Drag and drop the correct idioms below to their more complicated description. 

For a screenreader accessible version of this activity: Select the Correct Idioms.

When you are finished return to the course homepage or move to the next activity.