Honestly, the point Jake raised was excellent, because, like many issues educators face, there is not one right or wrong answer. We do know that one dialect or language is not better than another, and most people would agree if they took the time to think about it the same way we have in this class. However, most people do not think about it. Also, due to media, pop culture, racial tensions and bias, the professional and educational worlds do place a standard on the way people speak. I am not sure I think that is always wrong.
Consider the fact that there are curtesies and "rules" for behavior in a professional world that are not followed by professionals themselves outside of work. There is a correct way to write a business letter, memo, etc. just as there is professional way to dress at work. A lawyer, for example, does not wear a suit to their kid's soccer game, a family barbecue, or to go camping, but when they go to work the suit goes on. Likewise, there are different expectations of behavior in different countries and cultures. When one goes on a business trip to a foreign country, they do their best to show respect for and participate in the particular rules that exist there; it would be very rude and imprudent to demonstrate a flippant attitude, not to mention unproductive. The business world is not the only place rules like this exist, and people generally have no problem with adapting depending on what "world" they enter.
So I wonder, is it wrong to expect people to do similarly in a classroom. I am not saying that we should throw out, forget about or diminish any particular difference in culture, language, or even dialect. I think there could be a way to discuss and recognize differences while still teaching students what types of things will be expected in a professional setting.
Hmmm.... excellent point Beka! I haven't really thought about it that way. Just as we have discussed, we all have various codes we easily switch in and out of depending on the context. As a result, you do raise a valid point. I'm not sure if I 100% agree and am also curious (aren't we all?) how we can combat the illiteracy that and educational disadvantage that is occurring.
ReplyDeleteWow that is a great picture. I definitely agree with what you have to say about that. The thought even crossed my mind. I was thinking to myself that I write and speak differently in the classroom that I do with my friends. So maybe that's the question: Do students feel pressure and obligated to speak "properly"? Do they feel stress and the need to sound smart so much to the point that they do not want to speak in class or they try too hard to sound smart? Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteHi Beka,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that while educating students on other dialects, we still need to have our focus be on the proper use of standard english. As a teacher I often wonder where you draw the line between invading someones cultural rights while at the same time feeling the need to teach the most socially accepted vernacular. How does one teach students that no dialect is considered "wrong" without giving them the false hopes that their dialect will be successful in the professional world? How much emphasis do we put on the reality of only being successful through standard english?
-Hillary Calef
I love your comparison about business professionals altering their behavior, dress, etc between home and work. We are chameleons with our language-we change it for nearly every occasion. I certainly don't speak to my friends the way I would write a paper. Not even close. I think this concept can be applied to dialects. Dialects may be spoken at home or in the right situations and standard English should be used in the professional setting. As teachers, we must find a way to teach our students WHY this must occur while still maintaining that all dialects are equal. I'm not sure how to do this yet but hopefully by the end of this semester we'll have a better idea!
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