Questions

After reading the article, "Bidialecticism", I began to realize that the English language has evolved over many centuries and has become one of the most intricate languages in the world. That being said, AAE has no place in the academic sphere. The article confirmed my opinions in more than one way. First, "Intellectuals and leaders, both black and white, have argued that a monodialectal dependence on AAE prevents or limits access to texts, speakers and opportunities whose messages are expressed in SAE. (3)" As a future educator I know that no one dialect is superior to the other, however, AAE is not the right way to use the English language. And secondly this article argues that the use of AAE can be harmful to young students, "Nevertheless, the differences that have been described in the literature are significant and have been shown to work against the educational achievement of black children (3)."

I believe my assumption that English is cut and dry may lead to a segregation from AAE, although a standard needs to present when is comes to academic writing and reading comprehension. So my  question is: What kind of a standard needs to be present in all uses of SAE so that AAE will not damage educators in the future?

No One Is Safe

As a future educator, I must learn to accept all variations of learners, students, and how they communicate with me and their cohorts. As humans we need to realize and accept that not everyone communicates in the exact same way. Also, each new language or dialect is an opportunity to learn. Knowing this, as teachers, it is our duty to accommodate variations of our own culture so that we might better understand and accept other cultures. I do, however, believe that putting a label on a particular dialect is unnecessary. It would seem, the creole language that's known as AAVE, is merely an attempt to disguise our distaste for the slangy, southern slave, pidgin-style language. When it comes to language, however, in American society it would be difficult to make it up the "corporate ladder" using words such as dat, dem, dey, ma' goh-ness. That's the reality of language. In many ways languages can have authority over other languages. That's not saying that languages have priority over other languages, it only means that there are a majority of people using one language, that language holds all the power. When it comes to teaching, it is our responsibility that each student becomes educated in the proper use, speaking, and writing of English. 

About Me

Hello interested reader.
My name is Quentin Miller. I have been an MSU student for the past three years. Initially, when I arrived here at MSU, I had decided to major in Exercise Science. Come to find out, I would need to pass chemistry. Two semesters and two failed attempts at chemistry later, I became and English Education major. I had always enjoyed reading and writing since I can remember, beyond that I enjoy challenging my imagination with each book I read. I haven't yet decided whether or not to teach English to high school students, college students, or students from an entirely different culture. My opportunities are seemingly endless at this point, and although I've narrowed my degree search I haven't narrowed my opportunities, and plan to extend beyond what MSU has taught me.

Twangy Twain

Once I knew it was Mark Twain's work, I assumed that the pronunciation would be difficult no matter the piece. Knowing this, I began reading aloud (much like Jourdan) in order to quickly and effortlessly finishing the story. To be honest, the tone of Aunt Rachels voice sounded more like a Jamaican Rastafarian in my head and aloud which made reading it all the more entertaining. When it comes to educating students on this model of the improper use of language, the intended voice and character of the author should be taken into account.

When I become an educator, I feel it is my job to educate my students on the proper use of language and southern slang is very improper. There will be no judgement if a student falls short and relies on slang and accented voice however, I will assume that no former education has been received if a student comes into class sounding like Aunt Rachel after a hard day of labor on the cotton farm. As and English major I understand that Twain was simply conveying the level at which these uneducated slaves of the 19th century spoke and context plays a role in the mode of language these characters employ. Good read though.

First Assignment

The English language is as difficult to learn and understand as it is versatile and truly magnificent. Most instructors fall short when it comes to instructing how the English language should be used and how to appropriately apply that language. It is my understanding that language is meant to break the barrier between people so that they might collaborate and empathize with each other simultaneously. However, language can also be used as a deadly-verbal weapon. Knowing this, there is both an appropriate way to instruct others how to use language, along with the inappropriate way. As an instructor I would inform my students of each use of the language, as each has their use in our world. Furthermore, it would be my duty as an instructor to allow my students any materials necessary in order to better understand our language.
Recognizing the difference between good use of the English language and an improper use is imperative to furthering education. Without a comprehensive knowledge of the English language, students will not be able to read and write as effectively as possible. That said, students wouldn't be capable of relaying their personal opinion and emotion through language, without which we would be autonomic emotionless robots.
So overall, as a future educator, the first thing I would teach my students is how powerful language can be if it's used properly. How language can be used to convey feelings, opinions, disagreements, understanding, and ultimately love.