Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Black English
Sonia Nieto's article was very interesting and made me think about a lot of things, but what really stuck out to me was her section on "black English". I found this so interesting because in some areas this is the language that the students will speak and will know best. I accept that and think that it is a wonderful part of their culture, however I am torn. I want my students to be able to use their culture and their native languages, whether black english or spanish, however the reality is that they will need to use "proper English" when they apply for college or jobs. I find it hard to conceptualize how I will be able to allow students to bring in these aspects of their culture, but also emphasize they need for them to know the English that the country will expect them to come out of school knowing. I really have no ideas about this. I don't want my kids to feel stifled into being cookie cutter English speakers, but that really is so important to their future when that is how they will be talked to, that is how they will make impressions on people, and that is how they can get ahead. I feel as though not everyone in the world outside of education is as open to allowing other cultures and other languages to be expressed. Then I come to the problem of what is okay to allow in the classroom and when should I maintain correct English be produced? Could informal assignments and discussions be conducted in both and only produced assignments for assessment be asked for in correct English? I wonder if this would confuse kids or if they would understand why sometimes it is appropriate to use different aspects of themselves? This is an issue I think is relevant to a lot of topics associated with ELL students and different cultures that are represented in our country.
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7 comments:
Christine-
I definitely think that students should not lose their native language whether its Spanish, Vietnamese, or "Black English." I think you're right in seeing that when students enter the real world they have to be able to use proper English for job interviews. What if you had a discussion with your students about when is it OK to use "Black English" and when it's ok to use proper English. See what they think- I don't think its wrong to explain to students the situations in which its best to use proper English and when it's acceptable to speak in slang or whatever. Even now as college- educated people, we know when to use proper English, which differs with maybe how the English we use when talking with friends or on Instant Messaging. Even how you act can depend on the situation you're in. Like we know to be professional when we're in the schools, but can be more casual and laid back when we're with out friends. Different situations call for different types of language.
Christine, I found that part of the article to be very interesting as well. I to have trouble deciding where I stand on that issue. In our country, we do have standards for proper language use. I think we would do our students a disservice by not educating them about how to use "proper English". On the other hand, however, it is also a disservice to discourage them from using the language of their culture. It is definitely a tricky situation! Becuase, like you said, being able to speak proper English is extremely important. Perhaps the best way is to encourage both??
I think your questions are extremely important and I am sure we will struggle with how to answer these for years to come. I really like your idea of allowing more comfortable language to be used during class discussions and requiring more formal language for written assignments. I wonder if the simple validation that other dialects of English are not inherently wrong and that they are fine to use in specific times and places will help students to feel more comfortable. I think this gets to the idea of "code switching" and teaching students that while they must use formal English at times it is ok to use different language styles at other times. Hopefully by helping students to become fluent in both types of English they will be better able to succeed in the working world once they enter it.
One possibility is "code switching" as a way to acknowledge that we need to change the ways we speak depending upon the context. Wikipedia has a pretty good entry about this idea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code-switching Guiding students to know when to switch avoids the danger of making "proper" English seem better than their everyday ways of talking. I think this can be especially useful when we suggest that it gives a person the power to be heard in more than one setting.
Christine-
I definitely agree with Kim’s comment and your comments as well. I think it is very important to address the issue of proper English. I use I guess Black English to relate to my students and excite my students about the new content. But during written assignments and class discussion I tell my students to use proper English. I always use the phrase there is appropriate time and place for everything. Most of the students follow the routines. However there are some students who need additional reinforcement during class to use proper English. Consistency is also another key feature to this problem. You have to be consistent with all of the students and at every situation. I think that it’s perfectly fine for students to use black English to express themselves but they should also learn to use appropriate English.
I agree with the comments thus far. I also don't know how you decide and approach this topic. I really like the idea of talking to them about when it is appropriate to use their native english, but also give them a chance to use proper english. Although "black" english makes many people uncomfortable. It is definitely important for them to know how to approach the job search and not be at a disadvantage only because they speak a "black" form of english.
You raised some very challenging questions in this blog! I have many the same questions myself.
I agree with you, it is so important for students to know academic Enlgish; it is the language of jobs and college, if they choose to go.
I believe that if you are having an informal class discussion then it is okay to use "Black English". For example, maybe you are doing a Q&A about why leaves change color in the fall. If Black ENglish helps the students express their experiences, then let them use that language.
However, in formal writing pieces and if you are doing a formal discussion (like a debate or presentations) then the students need to use academic English.
I also think that it is important to discuss with your students when to Academic English and when to use Black English. Most times, students simply do not know when it is correct to use which language. This is a strange comment, but Tyra Banks does a great job of using academic English and then using her Black Language. Wierd example, I know! Students need to understand that when going for a job interview, presenting material, or in writing they need to use academic English. WHen with friends or in an informal setting, then it is ok to use Black ENglish.
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