The main issue of the essay "Teachers' Attitudes toward African American Language" is the way we are analyzing the correct way to teach Standard English is not working. Students who speak African American English are discouraged, because of their discouraged attitudes they are not achieving as well as other students. The opinion of teachers, preservice teachers, and fellow students was two-sided and conflicted. But, are the opinions of teachers and fellow students really discouraging African American students and widening the achievement gap, or are there greater problems?
I understand that AAE should be recognized and not shunned or looked down upon in the classroom, but what other role does the language play? Should students who speak mostly SE learn the rules of AAE?
What are the rules and correct ways to speak it? I have never heard anyone get corrected for using it incorrectly. If there are rules for AAE, I would assume that many of them relate very closely to the rules of SE. The languages in America are slowly starting to conform to one another. I think it would be very helpful for education students to observe and learn from an African American English teacher and how she manages to teach SE to students of both races. It undoubtedly reassures African American students and helps them understand why they should learn SE.
“Teachers seem to feel that they must choose between respecting their students’ culture and preparing those students to succeed in a culture that does not always respect their culture” (Jones). Where does the necessary respect need to begin? Apparently, teachers are not the ones who need to focus on this language barrier. Where does the problem really come into play? Do students respect other students who speak differently than them? Should we start with them? Do teachers and other colleagues respect other teachers or co-workers who speak AAE? Do interviewers really deny a qualified person a job because they don’t speak SE? Does an interviewer higher someone who has an incomprehensive Spanish accent over someone who speaks AAE that is understandable?
Maybe the real problem isn’t the way the students are being taught. Maybe they are looking at the way they are treated after their educational careers even if they know the correct way to speak. They might feel that they shouldn’t have to change who they are to find a job and to be respected in the real world. This could be where their dilemma begins.
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I agree with you on the subject of other cultures and languages. Even though the main language discussed in Ch. 11 is AAE, Meacham says "This criterion clearly implies that any other form of speech in unacceptable and deficient." However, her main concern is her "struggle to maintain her own sense of cultural identity as a Black Woman."
ReplyDeleteI am curious how much difference is there between the Black community and any other culture having to learn Standard English? I understand with prejudices already in place and so much a part of our history, that it may indeed be a great difference. Is the reaction to African American English similar in the reaction to anyone speaking with a Hispanic or Middle Eastern accent? …especially with these also having instilled prejudices in our country. Everyone is expected to learn and use Standard English. I liked Tanya’s description on page 199 on how this dialect came to be.
One main side effect of having to learn in Standard English is that the students of other cultures begin to feel insecure about themselves, their family, and community. A person’s culture should instead be celebrated and not put down. It will be hard to find a balance between the two. It will be as difficult as learning a second language: learning to speak and when to use Standard English and remaining true to one’s identity at the same time.
"Is the reaction to African American English similar in the reaction to anyone speaking with a Hispanic or Middle Eastern accent?" Good question--you're attuned to the ways in which controversy about language is often about much more than language--in this case, it's deeply rooted in history. In terms of Spanish-speaking students, if you're curious, check out the "English only movement" and see what you find. I think you'll see remarkable overlaps and perhaps some telling differences. We've yet to see a huge body of work on students who speak Arabic, but I think your instinct is right on: their treatment in classrooms is probably, unfortunately, reflective of the bias of society at large. Imagine how nice it would be for students like this to have the classroom as a safe haven, a sanctuary from an often hostile society--not to mention how much more primed to learn they would be!
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