Classic quotations, like proverbs, goes back even more than 2,000 years and brings in many insights from religious leaders and philosophers such as Buddha, Confucius, Aristotle, and the Biblical prophets in a compelling, succinct manner. These quotations remind us that some conversations have spanned centuries and cultures. You can bridge two, three, and more quotations to present a wide range of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. Some quotations might make you chuckle, some might make you heave a sigh, and a few might even annoy you. Yet bringing “the wisdom of the ages” into your English language classroom elevates the discussion. It can also make students to feel safer in presenting their idea in a candid manner. This method helps students both participate in the conversation, and add their own perspectives and ideas. The classrooms should be a vibrant place where students can explore and exchange ideas and experience free speech.

Incorporating classic quotations also helps preserve the insights and comments of well-known and significant cultural figures. This technique helps both teachers and students escape the too common delusion that the world began when we were born and brings about a larger perspective. Sometimes knowing the speaker and historical era invites another mean of looking at our modern lives. Finally, a stunning number of both adult education and college students need to be introduced to significant artists, writers, leaders, and philosophers from the past. Academic literacy requires some degree of cultural and historical awareness. I always include the dates and identify the occupation of various figures to both introduce and gently entice students into seeking out more information on significant cultural and historical figures.

Given the actual state of common knowledge among ESL students, something is profoundly wrong with American education when a majority of American high school seniors in public schools can not name the war that occurred when Abraham Lincoln was president. I believe including quotations, in context, provides a small counter to this shocking level of historic amnesia. It is very vital that you know your rights. So, you have to make sure that you are aware all the time.