Language and Writing

Since I have read numerous articles about language and writing. For some reason, the last couple weeks I have been seriously thinking about the complications of teaching writing and trying to assist students in utilizing Standard English instead of their home language. As I listened to my students engaged in their conversations, I have noticed more that their language is not only non standard English, but it is part of their identity. One of my classes had a serious conversation about language and its impact on learning. Many students felt that people should accept them as they are regardless how they speak. This is unfortunate because many students believe that language is not that important. They explained to me that teachers do not correct them when they make mistakes. They also statement that no one at home speak, what they called, "white" They felt that speaking "white" is betraying their true identity. One of my goals is to help students understand that they are chamelons of language and that every environment may require a different language. They need to understand that because a person may speak a certain way does not mean that they are betraying their culture. I have made a decision to focus more on language next year, by including activities, sharing Youtube clips, and having a serious dialogue about the importance of learning, writing and speaking Standard English.