International vs Multi Cultural Literature

First, thanks to everyone for sending me the blog questions. I had a senior moment and left class before writing them down. I think they make a pill for this . . .

International vs Multicultural Literature

What is international literature? How does it different from multicultural literature?

International literature is considered to be a book that has originally been published in a country other than the United States, in the native language of that country. If the book is later translated to English and published in the United States, it is considered international literature.

Multicultural literature is literature that represents any cultural group through accurate (non stereo type) portrayal. For the book to be considered authentic, the author needs to be either from that culture or write from the perspective of people from that culture. There are awards that are given annually to the most representative book of the year. Examples of these awards are the Coretta Scott King Award that honors black authors and illustrators of children's books. The Pura Belpe Award that honors Latino writers and illustrators whose work best reflects the Latino culture. The Notable Books for a Global Society provides an annual list of trade books for children which help children experience other cultures.

Multicultural literature helps students to compare and contrast their lives with the lives of people from other places. It also helps to prevent or reduce prejudice based on lack of knowledge of a foreign culture.

These types of books can be used to help students connect with people from other countries and cultures. By exposing students to international literature, students can broaden their horizons by realizing that Podunk, TX is not the center of the universe as they know. Students will learn about diversity and out to appreciated cultures from around the world. They can see how it relates to their own classrooms and how they differ.

Multicultural Activity No 1: Middle and High School levels students can make a meal or prepare a dish from some country or region other than their own.

Multicultural Activity No 2: Have students locate and identify other countries using a map or globe. Compare that country to the United States. For example, have students compare the size of the country, language spoken, physical appearance, what side of the road to they drive on or even if the have cars or not.