Delpit Response- #2
We discussed in class that it can be a good idea to teach minority children the language of power because if they are living in the United States, it is a great disadvantage to not be able to speak English in our society. For example the Alaskan children in Lisa Delpit's paper were able to retain their individual ethnic languages, but were also taught English. This is a good way to keep them from feeling like they are inferior and that English is the only way to speak from now on.
As far as teaching everyone acceptance goes, I don't think that is going to carry on outside of the classroom. Many parents or caregivers have their own point of view about what is acceptable and it is likely that they instill those opinions in their children. I think that the specific Alaskan school that we discussed in class has a good strategy going as to how to teach children with English as a second language "the language of power" while maintaining their identity as an Alaskan child.
posted by LaceyT @ 11:08 AM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
I agree with you that it's important to look beyond just the classroom and the implications of language in it, and I particularly like the way you expressed it as maintaining identity, as language is such an important role in how we see ourselves. One thing I think might be useful as well is to teach more than just proper English. I like the idea of starting children out learning multiple languages at a young age so that they see the similarities and difference in them and can learn to appreciate their own language as well as those of cultures with which they will likely interact in the future.
I agree that a person's culture should always be respected. The purpose of formal writing instruction should not be to dismantle a person's culture or remove their voice.
DY
I agree with you that “acceptance” most likely would not continue outside the classroom. I like the example you brought up of the Alaskan children. By being shown the importance and uniqueness of their own language, these students might be more willing to accept the need to learn the “language of power” and see how it can be used to their advantage. What about immigrant children who come to the United States not knowing English at all? Besides learning “the language of power,” should teachers also focus on teaching a child’s native language, or just express appreciation for it and their cultural values?
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home