Jackie Hand
Blog 2
English 101
In Pinker’s writing, he says that it is okay for people to talk the way that they please, and that grammar may not be that important. I believe that he is in fact contradicting himself. If standard English is really not important, then why would he write in it? This is the universal language that you can connect with everyone on. If Pinker had not written in standard English, would anyone have taken what he said seriously in the first place? Most likely not.
I agree with Dalrymple all the way. Yes, everyone has their own way of speaking and communicating, but when one needs to get their point across to multiple people, it is better to use a universal language so that others can understand. There is a time and place for everything, which means that if you want to be taken seriously you must conform somewhat to the “universal” way of grammar.
Pinker said that the reason a child speaks the way they do is because of biology as opposed to imitation. There is no possible way that this is correct. Children who are not communicated with cannot speak and will have a difficult time learning how. So if it was biological, could they really lose that trait? I don’t believe so. So many things that we do as human beings are caused by imitation. Without imitation, no one would be able to connect each other. There would be no fashion, no dance, no theater, no entertainment, no form of anything. Everyone imitates something or someone at some point in their lives. It is how we as humans can stay in touch with each other.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Blog Two
Tyler Gunnin
8/28/09
Dr. Hughes
English 1101
Everyone is a hypocrite in some way no matter how easy it is to admit it. People go to church, read the Bible, then turn around and do something that goes against God's Word. We go through motions, not only in church, but also with the various people we hang around with, the teachers we present ourselves to, and our parents that gave us this life to begin with. Dalrymple wants to make this point clear in calling Pinker a hypocrite. He states that Pinker writing in Standard English, dedicating the book to his parents whom "gave (him) life", and not believing what he writes makes this hypocritical judgment so clear.
Pinker writes in Standard English, not because he is going anywhere against what he has stated, but because he wants everyone to find this reading fairly simple to follow. Dalrymple questioned how popular the book would have become if Pinker wrote in a New Orleans style. What would be the point of that anyways? What point is Dalrymple trying to make? The style of Standard English was an excellent choice by Dr. Pinker in the fact that the average English speaker will find his reading much easier to consume.
The dedication to his parents is an incredible statement to ponder. What exactly did Pinker mean by saying his parents gave him language, then making the point that he believes language is given by nature? He simply is making the point that without his parents giving birth to him, he would not have even had the chance to pick up language through nature in the first place.
Dalrymple also accuses Pinker of not believing what he writes. There is clearly no doubt that Pinker is not as confrontational on the matter as Dalrymple is. This is just simply the approach he has chosen to take. Writing in this way makes the reader not only take in the message, but also questioning the points throughout. By doing this, the book gives much more meaning to the reader.
Dalrymple may try his best to cut down Pinker’s writing, but the arguments he make can clearly be explained. Pinker writes in Standard English for an easier read. He dedicates the book to his parents, because without them, he would have never had the chance to pick up the biologics of language. He writes in a questionable manner just to draw in the reader more. Pinker does a fantastic job of describing the language we pick up and hear every single day.
8/28/09
Dr. Hughes
English 1101
Everyone is a hypocrite in some way no matter how easy it is to admit it. People go to church, read the Bible, then turn around and do something that goes against God's Word. We go through motions, not only in church, but also with the various people we hang around with, the teachers we present ourselves to, and our parents that gave us this life to begin with. Dalrymple wants to make this point clear in calling Pinker a hypocrite. He states that Pinker writing in Standard English, dedicating the book to his parents whom "gave (him) life", and not believing what he writes makes this hypocritical judgment so clear.
Pinker writes in Standard English, not because he is going anywhere against what he has stated, but because he wants everyone to find this reading fairly simple to follow. Dalrymple questioned how popular the book would have become if Pinker wrote in a New Orleans style. What would be the point of that anyways? What point is Dalrymple trying to make? The style of Standard English was an excellent choice by Dr. Pinker in the fact that the average English speaker will find his reading much easier to consume.
The dedication to his parents is an incredible statement to ponder. What exactly did Pinker mean by saying his parents gave him language, then making the point that he believes language is given by nature? He simply is making the point that without his parents giving birth to him, he would not have even had the chance to pick up language through nature in the first place.
Dalrymple also accuses Pinker of not believing what he writes. There is clearly no doubt that Pinker is not as confrontational on the matter as Dalrymple is. This is just simply the approach he has chosen to take. Writing in this way makes the reader not only take in the message, but also questioning the points throughout. By doing this, the book gives much more meaning to the reader.
Dalrymple may try his best to cut down Pinker’s writing, but the arguments he make can clearly be explained. Pinker writes in Standard English for an easier read. He dedicates the book to his parents, because without them, he would have never had the chance to pick up the biologics of language. He writes in a questionable manner just to draw in the reader more. Pinker does a fantastic job of describing the language we pick up and hear every single day.
What to wear? What to say?
Leila Shearon
Blog 2
Dr. Jennifer Hughes
8.28.2009
One whose private life, opinions, or statements contradict his or her public statements, this is a definition of a hypocrite. Theodore Dalrymple uses this term to describe Steven Pinker. Who is Pinker? Pinker is a professor at Harvard. He is well-known for his revolution…nary theory of how children acquire language and how it changes. He explains the way he sees language. He explains thing like “Language change is normal…Value judgments about different languages and dialects are matters of taste.”Dalrymple tries his best to Pinker is a hypocrite, states that Pinker clearly values Standard English as higher language because he writes in it. Dalrymple says Pinker wrote to “please schoolmarms.” Is this true?
Language I believe is like ones wardrobe. When one goes to a wedding or a formal party in America a man might wear a tail coat a tie and leather shoes. A woman might wear a dress with beautiful jewlerey. In a different culture a different type of dress may be expected. Also one would not wear a suit and patent leather shoes to a construction site or a Braves baseball game. The attire that is expected and suitable for these locations is more casual. At a construction site a hardhat is needed for ones saftey. At home pajamas is needed or wanted for ones comfort.
What does wardrobe and attire have to do with linguistics? A Suit and tie is the correct attire for a formal occasion. A Jersey is the right attire for a baseball. And, pajamas are the right attire for a comfortable day around the house. Words such as pretentious and juxtaposition can be used to present a speech to adults at a formal awards ceremony, but words such as w’sup and dude is correct language for a high school event such as a party or basketball game.
I think that Pinker understood the importance of language flexibility. There are no absolutes in language. Something maybe correct in one house but a mile down the road a different dialect with different rules jargons is spoken. There is a time and place for different starters and styles of language. When Pinker writing he wrote in a style and dialect that was appropriate and needed at the time.
Blog 2
Dr. Jennifer Hughes
8.28.2009
One whose private life, opinions, or statements contradict his or her public statements, this is a definition of a hypocrite. Theodore Dalrymple uses this term to describe Steven Pinker. Who is Pinker? Pinker is a professor at Harvard. He is well-known for his revolution…nary theory of how children acquire language and how it changes. He explains the way he sees language. He explains thing like “Language change is normal…Value judgments about different languages and dialects are matters of taste.”Dalrymple tries his best to Pinker is a hypocrite, states that Pinker clearly values Standard English as higher language because he writes in it. Dalrymple says Pinker wrote to “please schoolmarms.” Is this true?
Language I believe is like ones wardrobe. When one goes to a wedding or a formal party in America a man might wear a tail coat a tie and leather shoes. A woman might wear a dress with beautiful jewlerey. In a different culture a different type of dress may be expected. Also one would not wear a suit and patent leather shoes to a construction site or a Braves baseball game. The attire that is expected and suitable for these locations is more casual. At a construction site a hardhat is needed for ones saftey. At home pajamas is needed or wanted for ones comfort.
What does wardrobe and attire have to do with linguistics? A Suit and tie is the correct attire for a formal occasion. A Jersey is the right attire for a baseball. And, pajamas are the right attire for a comfortable day around the house. Words such as pretentious and juxtaposition can be used to present a speech to adults at a formal awards ceremony, but words such as w’sup and dude is correct language for a high school event such as a party or basketball game.
I think that Pinker understood the importance of language flexibility. There are no absolutes in language. Something maybe correct in one house but a mile down the road a different dialect with different rules jargons is spoken. There is a time and place for different starters and styles of language. When Pinker writing he wrote in a style and dialect that was appropriate and needed at the time.
Non-sense
Carmen Solis
08-28-09
Dr. Hughes
Engl 1101
The "respected" linguistic writer, Dr. Steven Pinker, does not know the difference between a Lion and a Kitten. By this, I mean that he does not recognize the distinction between someone who knows a well develop Standard English and someone who creates an invisible language. The ones who create the invisible language lack something extremely important to the development of life which is Education. On one of the passages of his book, Dr. Pinker writes about a “linguist form” that some villages speak or make it in their own way. He is saying that “Pidgins are choppy strings of words borrowed from the language of the colonizers or plantation owners.” And I ask myself and I would like him to answer me this: How can that be a language if those colonizers or farmers did not even know their language? Basically, those people are creating a type of communication so that they can understand each other, but, let’s not forget, it is not language. I called that imagination—it is something that those people created using words that they think is right.
People that live up in the mountains or are isolated from the rest of the world have no chance but to create mixtures of words that sounds like a language, but it is not one. Dr. Pinker calls those interpretation and imagination “pidgin” or “creoles.” Pidgins or creoles exist but those are not language. Those are misinterpretation of sentences. Those people that are up in the hills developed a wrong kind of communication. Those are the influenze of culture because those people goes by and learn the way that everyone else is learning. On the other hand, if you live in a city or somewhere where there is a school, you are going to learn the right way to write and speak. That language is the Standard American English. I know that the only professional language is the Standard English and that one needs education to further one’s path and knowledge.
08-28-09
Dr. Hughes
Engl 1101
The "respected" linguistic writer, Dr. Steven Pinker, does not know the difference between a Lion and a Kitten. By this, I mean that he does not recognize the distinction between someone who knows a well develop Standard English and someone who creates an invisible language. The ones who create the invisible language lack something extremely important to the development of life which is Education. On one of the passages of his book, Dr. Pinker writes about a “linguist form” that some villages speak or make it in their own way. He is saying that “Pidgins are choppy strings of words borrowed from the language of the colonizers or plantation owners.” And I ask myself and I would like him to answer me this: How can that be a language if those colonizers or farmers did not even know their language? Basically, those people are creating a type of communication so that they can understand each other, but, let’s not forget, it is not language. I called that imagination—it is something that those people created using words that they think is right.
People that live up in the mountains or are isolated from the rest of the world have no chance but to create mixtures of words that sounds like a language, but it is not one. Dr. Pinker calls those interpretation and imagination “pidgin” or “creoles.” Pidgins or creoles exist but those are not language. Those are misinterpretation of sentences. Those people that are up in the hills developed a wrong kind of communication. Those are the influenze of culture because those people goes by and learn the way that everyone else is learning. On the other hand, if you live in a city or somewhere where there is a school, you are going to learn the right way to write and speak. That language is the Standard American English. I know that the only professional language is the Standard English and that one needs education to further one’s path and knowledge.
Hypocritical??
Rebekah Medford
Ms.Hughs
Language Controversies
“Hypocrite: 1.a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.” In every class, type, occupation, or sex, a person of the definition above is present. Hypocrites are among even the “best” of us: teachers, police men, politicians, religious figures and …linguist? Can this be true? Theodore Dalrymple seems to think so. In his article “The Gift of Language: No, Dr.Pinker, It’s Not Just From Nature,” Dalrymple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite with his writings on language deriving from instinct and biology. He states “Pinker doesn’t really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept.” Dalrymple makes several good, clear points against Pinker’s writing but are they enough to classify Pinker as a true hypocrite?
Towards the middle of his article Dalrymple points out a very interesting example on why he thinks Pinker is a hypocrite. Dalrymple and Pinker’s ideas on how a person develops language contrast greatly. In this particular case Dalrymple tries to catch Pinker contradicting his own belief that children do not learn language from imitation and parents. Trying to prove this, Dalrymple examines Pinker’s book dedication which reads “For Harry and Roslyn Parker, who gave me language.” Dalrymple tries to use this against Pinker. The dedication does not mean the Pinker is a hypocrite, it does not mean he is contradicting himself. Pinker’s words could easily be a thank you to his parents for giving him birth and the chance to live life and speak. By giving him life Pinker’s parents gave him language.
Dalrymple continues to try and prove Pinker as a hypocrite, presenting the idea that Pinker clearly values Standard English as higher language because he writes in it. Dalrymple says Pinker wrote to “please schoolmarms.” Pinker wrote in Standard English because it was what he was use to writing. He wanted to make sure what he was writing was clear to the reader. Though Dalrymple does find interesting points to use against Pinker none of them can truly be used or correct in categorizing Pinker as a hypocrite.
Ms.Hughs
Language Controversies
“Hypocrite: 1.a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.” In every class, type, occupation, or sex, a person of the definition above is present. Hypocrites are among even the “best” of us: teachers, police men, politicians, religious figures and …linguist? Can this be true? Theodore Dalrymple seems to think so. In his article “The Gift of Language: No, Dr.Pinker, It’s Not Just From Nature,” Dalrymple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite with his writings on language deriving from instinct and biology. He states “Pinker doesn’t really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept.” Dalrymple makes several good, clear points against Pinker’s writing but are they enough to classify Pinker as a true hypocrite?
Towards the middle of his article Dalrymple points out a very interesting example on why he thinks Pinker is a hypocrite. Dalrymple and Pinker’s ideas on how a person develops language contrast greatly. In this particular case Dalrymple tries to catch Pinker contradicting his own belief that children do not learn language from imitation and parents. Trying to prove this, Dalrymple examines Pinker’s book dedication which reads “For Harry and Roslyn Parker, who gave me language.” Dalrymple tries to use this against Pinker. The dedication does not mean the Pinker is a hypocrite, it does not mean he is contradicting himself. Pinker’s words could easily be a thank you to his parents for giving him birth and the chance to live life and speak. By giving him life Pinker’s parents gave him language.
Dalrymple continues to try and prove Pinker as a hypocrite, presenting the idea that Pinker clearly values Standard English as higher language because he writes in it. Dalrymple says Pinker wrote to “please schoolmarms.” Pinker wrote in Standard English because it was what he was use to writing. He wanted to make sure what he was writing was clear to the reader. Though Dalrymple does find interesting points to use against Pinker none of them can truly be used or correct in categorizing Pinker as a hypocrite.
Here Is Your New One Mr. Pinker
Jonathan Dishon
ENGL 1101
Ms. Hughes
August 28, 2009
While Steven Pinker may be going on the 25th year of publication for his book that does not mean that his book by any means is correct. Pinker believes that a child learns the language of his parents solely on biology alone, and that the child does not imitate the parents in any way. This statement however is impractical. The fact that children usually grow up speaking the same language as their parents, and in the same dialect as their parents for that matter puts Pinker’s idea of learning language right in the recycle bin. A child is not programmed like a robot to just understand and be able to speak language as it grows up. It has to learn it and all the rules that go along with it, and the child does this through imitation. The child will emulate what its parents do in order to learn. I will admit that biology may have a little bit to do with the learning of language, but it is definitely not everything. To use Pinker’s example of the lady in Britain with chatterbox syndrome, she was highly capable of communicating language, but she was mentally ill. Everything that she said was also a completely made up story. She would talk about bank statements and joint accounts when she had never even been to a bank. So how could she know about all these things that have to do with banks without having heard someone else use them before? My friend Pinker would say that she was born knowing it, but how many people are just born knowing stuff about banks. Actually how many adults even know a lot about banks? This lady has obviously heard people either in her own house or on the television even talking about bank statements and bank accounts and so on. This means that she has obviously used imitation in order to communicate language with other people, and was not born with the ability to know banks and how they work.
While there may be some validity to Pinker’s idea of biology being a contributor to the learning of language it is by far not the most important. It may help it to know how the child is supposed to talk, but the child does not learn language from it. The child learns language and how to speak by imitation. It will either imitate its parents, which is most common, or the child will imitate someone else like a role model or hero, but either way the biggest contributor to the learning of language is imitation.
ENGL 1101
Ms. Hughes
August 28, 2009
While Steven Pinker may be going on the 25th year of publication for his book that does not mean that his book by any means is correct. Pinker believes that a child learns the language of his parents solely on biology alone, and that the child does not imitate the parents in any way. This statement however is impractical. The fact that children usually grow up speaking the same language as their parents, and in the same dialect as their parents for that matter puts Pinker’s idea of learning language right in the recycle bin. A child is not programmed like a robot to just understand and be able to speak language as it grows up. It has to learn it and all the rules that go along with it, and the child does this through imitation. The child will emulate what its parents do in order to learn. I will admit that biology may have a little bit to do with the learning of language, but it is definitely not everything. To use Pinker’s example of the lady in Britain with chatterbox syndrome, she was highly capable of communicating language, but she was mentally ill. Everything that she said was also a completely made up story. She would talk about bank statements and joint accounts when she had never even been to a bank. So how could she know about all these things that have to do with banks without having heard someone else use them before? My friend Pinker would say that she was born knowing it, but how many people are just born knowing stuff about banks. Actually how many adults even know a lot about banks? This lady has obviously heard people either in her own house or on the television even talking about bank statements and bank accounts and so on. This means that she has obviously used imitation in order to communicate language with other people, and was not born with the ability to know banks and how they work.
While there may be some validity to Pinker’s idea of biology being a contributor to the learning of language it is by far not the most important. It may help it to know how the child is supposed to talk, but the child does not learn language from it. The child learns language and how to speak by imitation. It will either imitate its parents, which is most common, or the child will imitate someone else like a role model or hero, but either way the biggest contributor to the learning of language is imitation.
Blog 2: THE RECKONING!
Jon Cuccia
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
28 August 2009
Our era’s ruling over language seems to agree with Dr. Pinker, in that every child learns its native tongue with perfect facility due to the instinctive nature of language in the human mind. This statement alone presents few difficulties. Although a child’s environment provides a sizeable portion of their linguistic thought, there remains some room for instinct in the equation, as children do acquire a native language if given any exposure to one. The true fault of Dr. Pinker lies with what comes next, and such a fallacious idea revokes any reprieve from the assertion of my indignation! Pinker declares that no language or dialect is superior to any other and that modes of verbal communication cannot be ranked according to complexity, expressiveness, or any other virtue. Thus, attempts to foist alleged grammatical “correctness” on native speakers of an “incorrect” dialect are nothing but the unacknowledged and oppressive exercise of social control; the means by which the elites deprive whole social classes and peoples of self-esteem and keep them in permanent subordination.
Pinker discusses the creation of “pidgin” and “creole” languages. In his chapter “Chatterboxes,” he uses a few examples. Here are two such examples of pidgin language: “Me cape’ buy, me check make.” and “Good, dis one. Kaukau any-kin’ dis one. Pilipine islan’ no good. No mo money.” As even the most casual observer can note, these dialects are very simple and nearly as expressive as a handful of gravel. Now, according to Pinker, this is perfectly fine, and any attempts made to assist this pitiful display of miscommunication would amount to nothing more than elitist oppression. However, as Pinker writes, if children grow up and acquire a pidgin language as their native tongue, they miraculously convert it into a creole language! Here are two examples of this new language, transformed by the wonders of linguistic instinct: “Da firs japani came ran away from japan come.” and “Some Filipino wok o’he-ah dey wen’ couple ya-ahs in filipin islan.” Now, this new and improved language is not only still quite simple, but also perhaps as expressive as two handfuls of gravel!
In conclusion, stating that no language or dialect is superior to another brings Pinker to encourage the previous speakers to remain in their rock-like communicative state, and do so with pride. Such a notion lacks logical and moral fortitude. People could never achieve success on any level with such critical lack of expression. Dr. Pinker’s linguistic latitudinarianism naturally allies itself with moral and cultural relativism, which also encourages tradition and makes change impossible. However, through social exposure to complex and expressive languages and education, possibility remains of a brighter outlook for the stone-talkers.
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
28 August 2009
Our era’s ruling over language seems to agree with Dr. Pinker, in that every child learns its native tongue with perfect facility due to the instinctive nature of language in the human mind. This statement alone presents few difficulties. Although a child’s environment provides a sizeable portion of their linguistic thought, there remains some room for instinct in the equation, as children do acquire a native language if given any exposure to one. The true fault of Dr. Pinker lies with what comes next, and such a fallacious idea revokes any reprieve from the assertion of my indignation! Pinker declares that no language or dialect is superior to any other and that modes of verbal communication cannot be ranked according to complexity, expressiveness, or any other virtue. Thus, attempts to foist alleged grammatical “correctness” on native speakers of an “incorrect” dialect are nothing but the unacknowledged and oppressive exercise of social control; the means by which the elites deprive whole social classes and peoples of self-esteem and keep them in permanent subordination.
Pinker discusses the creation of “pidgin” and “creole” languages. In his chapter “Chatterboxes,” he uses a few examples. Here are two such examples of pidgin language: “Me cape’ buy, me check make.” and “Good, dis one. Kaukau any-kin’ dis one. Pilipine islan’ no good. No mo money.” As even the most casual observer can note, these dialects are very simple and nearly as expressive as a handful of gravel. Now, according to Pinker, this is perfectly fine, and any attempts made to assist this pitiful display of miscommunication would amount to nothing more than elitist oppression. However, as Pinker writes, if children grow up and acquire a pidgin language as their native tongue, they miraculously convert it into a creole language! Here are two examples of this new language, transformed by the wonders of linguistic instinct: “Da firs japani came ran away from japan come.” and “Some Filipino wok o’he-ah dey wen’ couple ya-ahs in filipin islan.” Now, this new and improved language is not only still quite simple, but also perhaps as expressive as two handfuls of gravel!
In conclusion, stating that no language or dialect is superior to another brings Pinker to encourage the previous speakers to remain in their rock-like communicative state, and do so with pride. Such a notion lacks logical and moral fortitude. People could never achieve success on any level with such critical lack of expression. Dr. Pinker’s linguistic latitudinarianism naturally allies itself with moral and cultural relativism, which also encourages tradition and makes change impossible. However, through social exposure to complex and expressive languages and education, possibility remains of a brighter outlook for the stone-talkers.
Pinker Is Not A Moron!
Steven Holland
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 2
Theodore Dalrymple may have made a mistake to accuse Steven Pinker of being a hypocrite. Dalrymple thought that Pinker valued Standard English because he used it when he wrote. Pinker believed that people should use whatever language or dialect they prefer. Dalrymple attacks Pinker by saying that, “his own book is written, not surprisingly, in the kind of English that would please schoolmarms.” What Dalrymple failed to understand is that Pinker did not become hypocritical; he simply chose to use whichever language he preferred. Pinker chose to write in Standard English, which proved his beliefs in the first place. Pinker was the only person who could choose what language to write in. Pinker believed that language was an instinct and not so much cultural, as Dalrymple did. Pinker’s concept that language is an instinct only supports the idea that people will use the language or dialect that they feel the most comfortable with. How could Pinker be a hypocrite if he used his own idea and Dalrymple was too narrow-minded to notice? Pinker says that, “English is a zany logic-defying tongue, in which one drives on a parkway and parks in a driveway, plays at a recital and recites at a play. They know that English spelling takes wackiness to even greater heights…” Pinker understands that the English language is such a hard language to learn that people have problems using Standard English, and therefore don’t feel comfortable using it. Pinker also states that, “unlike most books with language in the title, it will not chide you about proper usage...” Dalrymple instantly attacks this statement by saying that there is an “old-fashioned elitist idea that there is a correct and incorrect form of language…” This actually does not argue against Pinker’s idea, because Pinker didn’t care if people used a correct or incorrect form of language. He only supported that people should speak however they want.
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 2
Theodore Dalrymple may have made a mistake to accuse Steven Pinker of being a hypocrite. Dalrymple thought that Pinker valued Standard English because he used it when he wrote. Pinker believed that people should use whatever language or dialect they prefer. Dalrymple attacks Pinker by saying that, “his own book is written, not surprisingly, in the kind of English that would please schoolmarms.” What Dalrymple failed to understand is that Pinker did not become hypocritical; he simply chose to use whichever language he preferred. Pinker chose to write in Standard English, which proved his beliefs in the first place. Pinker was the only person who could choose what language to write in. Pinker believed that language was an instinct and not so much cultural, as Dalrymple did. Pinker’s concept that language is an instinct only supports the idea that people will use the language or dialect that they feel the most comfortable with. How could Pinker be a hypocrite if he used his own idea and Dalrymple was too narrow-minded to notice? Pinker says that, “English is a zany logic-defying tongue, in which one drives on a parkway and parks in a driveway, plays at a recital and recites at a play. They know that English spelling takes wackiness to even greater heights…” Pinker understands that the English language is such a hard language to learn that people have problems using Standard English, and therefore don’t feel comfortable using it. Pinker also states that, “unlike most books with language in the title, it will not chide you about proper usage...” Dalrymple instantly attacks this statement by saying that there is an “old-fashioned elitist idea that there is a correct and incorrect form of language…” This actually does not argue against Pinker’s idea, because Pinker didn’t care if people used a correct or incorrect form of language. He only supported that people should speak however they want.
Pinker vs. Dalrymple
Samantha Redden
August 28, 2009
Dr. Jennifer Hughes
Pinker vs. Dalrymple
In modern day American society, Standard American English (SAE) is the respected way of speech. Pinker was not being a hypocrite by writing in a different style than he was defending. He never said that Black English Vernacular (BEV) was the correct writing or speaking style. If so, then writing in SAE rather than BEV would have been considered being hypocritical. Also, if he would have written in BEV then there would be a large chance that his book would not be as popular along with his ideas.
Dalyrmple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite again because the wording of the dedication to his parents in his book: “For Harry and Roslyn Pinker, who gave me language.” Dalrymple jumps to conclusions and says that Pinker does not actually believe that language is not a process of parental education. However, if Dalrymple would have taken the time to look deeper into Pinker’s meaning he would have seen that he was dedicating the book to them because they gave him the biologic part of language. Pinker believes that language is DNA structured, or “hot-wired” into your brain. By his dedication he is thanking his parents for giving him life, life that language is a really critical part of. He was thanking them for that piece of DNA that allows him to learn language.
Dalrylmple constantly abuses Pinker as well as other individuals in his writings. It is hard to grab his concepts and accept them when he is aggressively judging and questioning a pregnant teenage girl. Pinker brings about his ideas more gently. Pinker is soothing in the way that he teaches. Dalrymple is educated and makes some good ideas from a totally different perspective, however the way he puts forth his ideas is somewhat forceful. I automatically join Pinker and defend him against Dalrymple because Dalrymple seems to get his ideas from forming the opposite of Pinker’s and going with them and that strategy makes it hard to respect him.
August 28, 2009
Dr. Jennifer Hughes
Pinker vs. Dalrymple
In modern day American society, Standard American English (SAE) is the respected way of speech. Pinker was not being a hypocrite by writing in a different style than he was defending. He never said that Black English Vernacular (BEV) was the correct writing or speaking style. If so, then writing in SAE rather than BEV would have been considered being hypocritical. Also, if he would have written in BEV then there would be a large chance that his book would not be as popular along with his ideas.
Dalyrmple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite again because the wording of the dedication to his parents in his book: “For Harry and Roslyn Pinker, who gave me language.” Dalrymple jumps to conclusions and says that Pinker does not actually believe that language is not a process of parental education. However, if Dalrymple would have taken the time to look deeper into Pinker’s meaning he would have seen that he was dedicating the book to them because they gave him the biologic part of language. Pinker believes that language is DNA structured, or “hot-wired” into your brain. By his dedication he is thanking his parents for giving him life, life that language is a really critical part of. He was thanking them for that piece of DNA that allows him to learn language.
Dalrylmple constantly abuses Pinker as well as other individuals in his writings. It is hard to grab his concepts and accept them when he is aggressively judging and questioning a pregnant teenage girl. Pinker brings about his ideas more gently. Pinker is soothing in the way that he teaches. Dalrymple is educated and makes some good ideas from a totally different perspective, however the way he puts forth his ideas is somewhat forceful. I automatically join Pinker and defend him against Dalrymple because Dalrymple seems to get his ideas from forming the opposite of Pinker’s and going with them and that strategy makes it hard to respect him.
Blog 2
Mary Lowe
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
8-28-09
There are many hypocrites in the world but I do not believe Pinker is one of them. He is a product of his society and his speech clearly reflects this point.
One essential skill in strong writing is knowing ones audience. As a seemingly educated and insightful man, Pinker does just this and directs his discoveries toward his primary readers, the scholarly linguistic community. In order to capture a listening ear he does indeed write in elevated, standard English; however, he never said in his paper that he did not communicate in such a way. He only states that it is equally acceptable to speak in a southern, black or alien dialect, for they are just as effective in conveying human thought and emotion.
While I do not believe Pinker is a deliberate hypocrite, I do disagree on one fundamental aspect of his theory. He says that, “Language is a complex, specialized skill which develops in a child spontaneously, without conscious effort or formal education”. However, Pinker attended school. Pinker gained a formal education and Pinker most assuredly did not awaken one morning to be greeted by a new extensive vocabulary on his doorstep. He mindfully studied, read and learned in order to gain the linguistic tools which he so obviously possesses.
His argument appears to be scientifically sound and thoughtfully offered, which leads me to believe even if Pinker was a bit hypocritical, it would not effect the legitimacy of his work. However, I do not think the idea that all dialects and vocabularies are of equal validity will ever be accepted until more works in the non-standard dialect, such as “Their Eyes Were Watching God” are published. Even then, it is unlikely that common approval and respect will ever be fully given. While Pinker might believe in theory that all dialects are equal and that unrefined is acceptable, he must know that in reality, that certainly is not the case.
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
8-28-09
There are many hypocrites in the world but I do not believe Pinker is one of them. He is a product of his society and his speech clearly reflects this point.
One essential skill in strong writing is knowing ones audience. As a seemingly educated and insightful man, Pinker does just this and directs his discoveries toward his primary readers, the scholarly linguistic community. In order to capture a listening ear he does indeed write in elevated, standard English; however, he never said in his paper that he did not communicate in such a way. He only states that it is equally acceptable to speak in a southern, black or alien dialect, for they are just as effective in conveying human thought and emotion.
While I do not believe Pinker is a deliberate hypocrite, I do disagree on one fundamental aspect of his theory. He says that, “Language is a complex, specialized skill which develops in a child spontaneously, without conscious effort or formal education”. However, Pinker attended school. Pinker gained a formal education and Pinker most assuredly did not awaken one morning to be greeted by a new extensive vocabulary on his doorstep. He mindfully studied, read and learned in order to gain the linguistic tools which he so obviously possesses.
His argument appears to be scientifically sound and thoughtfully offered, which leads me to believe even if Pinker was a bit hypocritical, it would not effect the legitimacy of his work. However, I do not think the idea that all dialects and vocabularies are of equal validity will ever be accepted until more works in the non-standard dialect, such as “Their Eyes Were Watching God” are published. Even then, it is unlikely that common approval and respect will ever be fully given. While Pinker might believe in theory that all dialects are equal and that unrefined is acceptable, he must know that in reality, that certainly is not the case.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
How Dare Thee Mr. Pinker!
Tyler Benson
Ms. Hughes
English 1101
27 August 2009
Mr. Pinker just contradicts himself left and right in his whole document, making statements that totally go against his whole opinion on his work. In his works Pinker discusses the topic of a mentally handicapped woman from the United Kingdom. She is mentally handicapped and unable to comprehend the idea of language, according to Pinker of course. He even points out how she is able to form sentences that come close to making perfect sense, and he claims that it is because of “instinct”. What a hack! Pinker completely ignores the issue that, if the woman was excluded from society, she would never be able to imitate words. Her culture and surroundings are what completely made her able to even use a small amount of language. Pinker has to realize that not everything is due to one part of the brain working; the culture is a major influence.
I, Dalrymple, find it just absolutely amazing how a man such as Pinker, with his vast amounts of education, can contradict himself so much. It’s clear to just about any human being on this planet that the man goes against his own beliefs. I find it obvious that if the British woman was on a small island she would only be able to make small moans just because of the waves as an example. She wouldn’t be able to form the words if she is never introduced to the language or the culture. Language can’t just come out of now where as my very good friend Pinker seems to believe. The brain must hear and understand the language in order to form the words, if the brain is never introduced to the words. How can it even form them? Yes, sounds can be formed in terms of moans and grunts such as the cavemen, but to truly grasp modern language culture must be present.
Pinker has to come to realize that he cannot constantly put language off on the biological and “instinct” aspects of humans. My statements on how culture and up bringing are the main reasons for language development must be considered. If Pinker wishes to get things right he needs to find me and take a little of my thoughts, then maybe I could respect the man even a small amount. His thoughts are not incorrect; don’t get me wrong, they are right to a degree. Then Dalrymple proudly takes over. Maybe someday Pinker and I could get together and actually piece together this whole language thing, of course I probably couldn’t stand the man.
Language sticks to “instinct” for only a small period of time. The woman had the instinct to start learning the sounds coming from other people, but it was the culture that launched it. Culture and up-bringing are a far bigger influence than that of “instinct” and biological ability.
Ms. Hughes
English 1101
27 August 2009
Mr. Pinker just contradicts himself left and right in his whole document, making statements that totally go against his whole opinion on his work. In his works Pinker discusses the topic of a mentally handicapped woman from the United Kingdom. She is mentally handicapped and unable to comprehend the idea of language, according to Pinker of course. He even points out how she is able to form sentences that come close to making perfect sense, and he claims that it is because of “instinct”. What a hack! Pinker completely ignores the issue that, if the woman was excluded from society, she would never be able to imitate words. Her culture and surroundings are what completely made her able to even use a small amount of language. Pinker has to realize that not everything is due to one part of the brain working; the culture is a major influence.
I, Dalrymple, find it just absolutely amazing how a man such as Pinker, with his vast amounts of education, can contradict himself so much. It’s clear to just about any human being on this planet that the man goes against his own beliefs. I find it obvious that if the British woman was on a small island she would only be able to make small moans just because of the waves as an example. She wouldn’t be able to form the words if she is never introduced to the language or the culture. Language can’t just come out of now where as my very good friend Pinker seems to believe. The brain must hear and understand the language in order to form the words, if the brain is never introduced to the words. How can it even form them? Yes, sounds can be formed in terms of moans and grunts such as the cavemen, but to truly grasp modern language culture must be present.
Pinker has to come to realize that he cannot constantly put language off on the biological and “instinct” aspects of humans. My statements on how culture and up bringing are the main reasons for language development must be considered. If Pinker wishes to get things right he needs to find me and take a little of my thoughts, then maybe I could respect the man even a small amount. His thoughts are not incorrect; don’t get me wrong, they are right to a degree. Then Dalrymple proudly takes over. Maybe someday Pinker and I could get together and actually piece together this whole language thing, of course I probably couldn’t stand the man.
Language sticks to “instinct” for only a small period of time. The woman had the instinct to start learning the sounds coming from other people, but it was the culture that launched it. Culture and up-bringing are a far bigger influence than that of “instinct” and biological ability.
Blog Two
Jennifer Conley
Ms. Hughes
Language Controversies
28 August 2009
As we can all see Dalrymple thinks Pinker is a hypocrite, and other individuals may agree, but out of the two arguments we have been reviewing Pinker has been the one saying that it is alright for people to speak the languages that they have learned throughout their lives. Dalrymple remarks," I doubt very much whether it would have reached its 25th printing had he chosen to write it in the dialect of rural Louisiana, for example, or of the slums of Newcastle-upon-Tyne." I agree with Dalrymple in this statement but Pinker probably wrote his book the way he did so that everyone could understand it. Although not everyone speaks in Standard English, they would understand it easier in a standard dialect rather than a nonstandard dialect. In this case it makes me think that Pinker is not a hypocrite. I am not sure how Pinker was taught but by his writing I perceive that he had been taught the rules of the Standard English language. Dalrymple wants to discredit Pinker for the way he writes but in actuality I believe that Pinker knew what he was doing when he wrote in the Standard English. Yes, Pinker may value Standard English but he does talk about and give examples of different vernaculars. In no way did Pinker belittle any other language or give more credit to the standard dialect. He has accepted different vernaculars and has provided the research of the science behind some of his examples. If Pinker was as big of a hypocrite as Dalrymple makes him out to be then why does Pinker make such an effort to further explain his theories to others that there are many different people who speak in many different dialects? I am sure Dalrymple believes he has sufficient evidence against Pinker but I do not agree with Dalrymple's opinion.
Ms. Hughes
Language Controversies
28 August 2009
As we can all see Dalrymple thinks Pinker is a hypocrite, and other individuals may agree, but out of the two arguments we have been reviewing Pinker has been the one saying that it is alright for people to speak the languages that they have learned throughout their lives. Dalrymple remarks," I doubt very much whether it would have reached its 25th printing had he chosen to write it in the dialect of rural Louisiana, for example, or of the slums of Newcastle-upon-Tyne." I agree with Dalrymple in this statement but Pinker probably wrote his book the way he did so that everyone could understand it. Although not everyone speaks in Standard English, they would understand it easier in a standard dialect rather than a nonstandard dialect. In this case it makes me think that Pinker is not a hypocrite. I am not sure how Pinker was taught but by his writing I perceive that he had been taught the rules of the Standard English language. Dalrymple wants to discredit Pinker for the way he writes but in actuality I believe that Pinker knew what he was doing when he wrote in the Standard English. Yes, Pinker may value Standard English but he does talk about and give examples of different vernaculars. In no way did Pinker belittle any other language or give more credit to the standard dialect. He has accepted different vernaculars and has provided the research of the science behind some of his examples. If Pinker was as big of a hypocrite as Dalrymple makes him out to be then why does Pinker make such an effort to further explain his theories to others that there are many different people who speak in many different dialects? I am sure Dalrymple believes he has sufficient evidence against Pinker but I do not agree with Dalrymple's opinion.
Carol
Pinker discussed the many different facts as to how language is used everywhere. Theodore Dalrymple discussed many of the facts about which he did not agree with Dr. Pinker. No matter whether a person is supposed to or not, people will find a way to speak in their own language. In Dr. Pinker’s argument, he says how there are many different ways a person will find ways to communicate. Two ways people communicate is through spoken language and body language. Although people are not supposed to, they sometimes make gestures to tell another how they feel about that certain person. Dr. Pinker discusses a situation in Nicaragua how at a deaf school, the children were not allowed to sign and had to only read lips. It was frustrating to the children so they decided on the school bus and on the playground they would make up a language of their own so they would not get into trouble.
The children would become upset at the fact that they were not allowed to sign, were forced to lip read and master the skill of lip reading. It was completely wrong of the parents and the educators to force them to learn the skill of lip reading because if the children are unable to understand the conversation, they would become frustrated. Most people would favor on the side of the children because they feel sorry for them.
Although the children were frustrated that they were unable to communicate, the teachers and parents were trying to help them in the long run by having them learn how to communicate with hearing and speaking people. The skill of learning how to lip read is one that would help the children so it would be less frustrating in the future. If there was only one deaf person at a school, that one person would want to be able to communicate his or her feelings even though they are unable to speak.
The children would become upset at the fact that they were not allowed to sign, were forced to lip read and master the skill of lip reading. It was completely wrong of the parents and the educators to force them to learn the skill of lip reading because if the children are unable to understand the conversation, they would become frustrated. Most people would favor on the side of the children because they feel sorry for them.
Although the children were frustrated that they were unable to communicate, the teachers and parents were trying to help them in the long run by having them learn how to communicate with hearing and speaking people. The skill of learning how to lip read is one that would help the children so it would be less frustrating in the future. If there was only one deaf person at a school, that one person would want to be able to communicate his or her feelings even though they are unable to speak.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Blog 2 Prompt
ENG 1101 (9): "Language Controversies"
Blog 2
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
This week you may choose between two prompts. This essay will be more formal. That is, you should strive for clarity and careful grammar (the prescriptive kind!). Consider especially things that we have talked about in class: avoiding ending sentences with prepositions, avoiding contractions, using active verbs. The essay should be between 300 and 600 words, but again, feel free to write more if necessary.
1. Theodore Dalrymple writes that “Pinker doesn’t really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept.” That is, Dalrymple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite because Pinker himself clearly values standard English since he writes in it. Is Pinker a hypocrite? Does it discredit his argument? Why do you think that he writes as he does?
2. Choose an example from our readings in Pinker that Dalrymple does not really discuss (Simon the user of ASL whose parents are not fluent ASL users, the British woman with Chatterbox syndrome, etc.) and try to argue the Dalrymple side. That is, imagine yourself to be Dalrymple and argue against Pinker over the significance of this example.
Blog 2
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
This week you may choose between two prompts. This essay will be more formal. That is, you should strive for clarity and careful grammar (the prescriptive kind!). Consider especially things that we have talked about in class: avoiding ending sentences with prepositions, avoiding contractions, using active verbs. The essay should be between 300 and 600 words, but again, feel free to write more if necessary.
1. Theodore Dalrymple writes that “Pinker doesn’t really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept.” That is, Dalrymple accuses Pinker of being a hypocrite because Pinker himself clearly values standard English since he writes in it. Is Pinker a hypocrite? Does it discredit his argument? Why do you think that he writes as he does?
2. Choose an example from our readings in Pinker that Dalrymple does not really discuss (Simon the user of ASL whose parents are not fluent ASL users, the British woman with Chatterbox syndrome, etc.) and try to argue the Dalrymple side. That is, imagine yourself to be Dalrymple and argue against Pinker over the significance of this example.
Friday, August 21, 2009
First Blog Post
Jennifer Conley
Mrs. HughesEnglish 1101
21 August 2009
Throughout my life I've been exposed to many languages. Does that mean I understood all of them? No, more than half the time I could not understand what any of the people were saying. I have taken a beginning course on French but that was six years ago and all I can remember is the alphabet and I have also taken Spanish 1 and 2, but only because I had to in high school to graduate. Spanish helped a little when I went over to my friend Abel's house once in a while and it even helped me in a few soccer games, but because I have not tried to keep learning or using the language I have pretty much forgotten mostly everything. Now outside of what I cannot remember from the classroom, there is an abundance of languages I have heard or people talk to accents I have heard. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and was raised there for seven years and a lot of people down there have a French background. Because I was so young then, I really do not remember if anyone spoke French around me, but I do however remember their accents. Yes, they are from the south but they have a whole different type of accent. From there I moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Honestly the people there just had regular voices. Virginia is considered a southern state but I never heard anything close to a southern accent there. I am not sure if it is because of how far from the "deep south" it is or maybe because of the location of where I specifically lived, so I consider that to be a neutral area when it comes to accents. The only time I heard any type of accent there was if I went to see my dad on the Navy base, where there are many different people with different dialects and accents. Then when I moved from there to Georgia I was surrounded by southern accents. And now I have grown accustomed to the southern accent and it is weird to hear people with other accents. Even through the exposure of different languages I feel that my life has not been impacted by any of them except for the English language because it has gotten me to where I am today.
Jackie Hand's Post
Jackie Hand
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 1
I believe that the part of the world one live in plays a HUGE role to one’s grammar, accent, etc. Both of my parents are from Pennsylvania, my mother from Pittsburgh and my father from Scranton. My father has his doctorate to teach Kinesiology, and he took a lot of grammar classes. He has always corrected me for as long as I can remember. I think that is why I have so many pet peeves when it comes to talking.
When I was younger, my family moved around a LOT, from Louisiana to Georgia to Pennsylvania to New Jersey and several other places. So I was never really in one place long enough to develop any certain accent. When I was in fifth grade, we moved to Cedartown, which by the way is a tiny hick town. Everyone there has the stereotypical southern accent, and since I went to school with those people for eight years, I picked it up. I think its funny how my parents are so obviously from the north, but when people talk to me, they think I’ve lived in the south my whole life. I really like having a southern accent though. It is a great conversation starter!
My brothers and sister, however, have not picked up the “southern drawl.” I’m not really sure why. Another strange thing about my way of speaking is that whenever I have been up north for a little while, I start to lose my accent. I guess because I’m usually around both accents every day. When I’m away, people from home will call me and often say, “Jackie? Is that you? You sound so…northern!” It’s funny because a lot of people from Cedartown say I sound like a “Yankee” but people from up north say I’m a little southern bell. I think a lot of people don’t realize how different sayings and slangs are within our own country. That is one thing that has always been so fascinating to me. My friends from up north always make me say things like “heeey yaaa’ll” and quotes from movies like Sweet Home Alabama. And boys up north always want to meet me because everyone loves southern girls!
Honestly I would not change a thing about the way I talk. I have the cute drawl, but I also have excellent grammar. Also, I always try to broaden my vocabulary because I don’t want to be put into that stereotype of a “dumb southerner.” I am glad that things worked out how they did for me, because I think my accent says a lot about my personality. I just would not be Jackie without it.
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 1
I believe that the part of the world one live in plays a HUGE role to one’s grammar, accent, etc. Both of my parents are from Pennsylvania, my mother from Pittsburgh and my father from Scranton. My father has his doctorate to teach Kinesiology, and he took a lot of grammar classes. He has always corrected me for as long as I can remember. I think that is why I have so many pet peeves when it comes to talking.
When I was younger, my family moved around a LOT, from Louisiana to Georgia to Pennsylvania to New Jersey and several other places. So I was never really in one place long enough to develop any certain accent. When I was in fifth grade, we moved to Cedartown, which by the way is a tiny hick town. Everyone there has the stereotypical southern accent, and since I went to school with those people for eight years, I picked it up. I think its funny how my parents are so obviously from the north, but when people talk to me, they think I’ve lived in the south my whole life. I really like having a southern accent though. It is a great conversation starter!
My brothers and sister, however, have not picked up the “southern drawl.” I’m not really sure why. Another strange thing about my way of speaking is that whenever I have been up north for a little while, I start to lose my accent. I guess because I’m usually around both accents every day. When I’m away, people from home will call me and often say, “Jackie? Is that you? You sound so…northern!” It’s funny because a lot of people from Cedartown say I sound like a “Yankee” but people from up north say I’m a little southern bell. I think a lot of people don’t realize how different sayings and slangs are within our own country. That is one thing that has always been so fascinating to me. My friends from up north always make me say things like “heeey yaaa’ll” and quotes from movies like Sweet Home Alabama. And boys up north always want to meet me because everyone loves southern girls!
Honestly I would not change a thing about the way I talk. I have the cute drawl, but I also have excellent grammar. Also, I always try to broaden my vocabulary because I don’t want to be put into that stereotype of a “dumb southerner.” I am glad that things worked out how they did for me, because I think my accent says a lot about my personality. I just would not be Jackie without it.
Southern Accent
Steven Holland
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 1
Having grown up in Georgia for my entire life, I grew up speaking English with a somewhat Southern accent. It may not be as pronounced as other Southerners' accents, but it's there. Almost my entire family also grew up in the South, so therefore they also inherited the Southern accent. My dad's side of the family seem to have originated from the South(but not really) because they've lived in the South for so long. It seems like that whole side of the family has a Southern accent. However, my mom is from the North. She is always correcting the rest of us when we say something wrong or mispronounce a word. She sometimes has to come to me or my brother for a "translation" of what my dad is trying to say because he often mispronounces or misuses words. The funny part is that we have actually somewhat converted her to the South.
English is really the only language I know. Even though I took French in middle and high school, most of it has one way or another worked its way out of my brain. In high school, I had a lot of friends who spoke Spanish. Since I didn't speak Spanish, I often had no clue what they were saying to eachother half the time. I would always ask one of them what the others were saying and then jokingly say, "you've got to teach me Spanish some day."
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 1
Having grown up in Georgia for my entire life, I grew up speaking English with a somewhat Southern accent. It may not be as pronounced as other Southerners' accents, but it's there. Almost my entire family also grew up in the South, so therefore they also inherited the Southern accent. My dad's side of the family seem to have originated from the South(but not really) because they've lived in the South for so long. It seems like that whole side of the family has a Southern accent. However, my mom is from the North. She is always correcting the rest of us when we say something wrong or mispronounce a word. She sometimes has to come to me or my brother for a "translation" of what my dad is trying to say because he often mispronounces or misuses words. The funny part is that we have actually somewhat converted her to the South.
English is really the only language I know. Even though I took French in middle and high school, most of it has one way or another worked its way out of my brain. In high school, I had a lot of friends who spoke Spanish. Since I didn't speak Spanish, I often had no clue what they were saying to eachother half the time. I would always ask one of them what the others were saying and then jokingly say, "you've got to teach me Spanish some day."
Blog 1: A Tale of (limited) Linguistics
Jon Cuccia
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
My linguistic history is somewhat limited, but all the same, it continues to broaden with each passing day. I can confidently say that English is my only fluent language, and that I have had relatively little exposure to other languages. I probably had never even heard another language be spoken until I was nearly in high school. Growing up in Blairsville has that drawback, although the community seems to be diversifying at a rapid pace now.
My only real experience with a language other then English was during my first two years of high school, when I took the only foreign language offered: Spanish. I took to the language quite quickly and even managed to sound authentic in doing so. It wasn’t long into the course before I became very interested in the language and the associated culture. Through the small class, I gained a better understanding of not only the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking culture, but even of the English language. Noticing the similarities between the two really emphasized their common Latin base. Unfortunately, the next year when I returned for the Spanish II course, the normal teacher was on maternity leave. My knowledge and familiarity of the Spanish language has only decreased since my first year of high school, tragic as it may be.
Finally, the only other mildly interesting I can say about my linguistic history is concerning my family. As I first read over the prompt, I dismissed my family’s part, as they all speak English. Upon further consideration however, I realized that growing up with the family I have had influenced me in a unique way. My two younger siblings have struggled with mental disabilities all their lives. Their methods of communication are not always clear, especially when verbal, and living with them for 14 years has really made me better at interpreting language in different ways.
Conclusively, my linguistic history has been straightforward, but enjoyable. I earnestly hope that throughout my college experience, it can continue to grow.
My Personal Language
Samantha Redden
August 21, 2009
Blog 1
Dr. Hughes
My Personal Language
My language, my own personal dialogue, changes every day. I may learn a new way of saying a certain word, sometimes more educated, other times teenage slang. I may hear a word or phrase I use on a typical basis in a different language and substitute it into my English, for example, “Hola! Como estas?” The changes I make to the way I speak add character into my voice. They allow someone to analyze the type of person I am by the way I speak to them. That is being prejudice; however, everyone does it without realizing. My vocabulary, dialect, diction, and sentence phrasing is constantly developing due to my family, friends, and type of environment I am in.
Often, my stepmother, an English teacher, will correct the way I speak, attempting to make me talk more sophisticated. When I am in my home with my family my “personal language” evolves in order to convince them I have a scholarly vocabulary. However, the minute my bedroom door closes and I get a phone call from a friend “ya’ll,” “ain’t” and other typical southern words come pouring out of me. The way I speak, particularly my vocabulary transforms from one environment to the next within a split second. One minute I am in my dorm room kicked back on my bed with a friend using my beautiful slang, and the next I am sitting in a formal classroom setting dissecting the meaning of language.
Because my language changes according to who I am with or where I am doesn’t not mean that I necessarily try to “fit in.” Everyone at some point in their day changes the way they use their words because of who they are talking to. If I spoke to my friend in my dorm room the way I speak to my classmates, she would look at me as if I had three heads. No one expects anyone else to speak the same way everywhere you go no matter who you are with. The way I speak and the vocabulary I use is all a part of my own language, one in which is changed by those around me and my environment, but still a language that defines me.
August 21, 2009
Blog 1
Dr. Hughes
My Personal Language
My language, my own personal dialogue, changes every day. I may learn a new way of saying a certain word, sometimes more educated, other times teenage slang. I may hear a word or phrase I use on a typical basis in a different language and substitute it into my English, for example, “Hola! Como estas?” The changes I make to the way I speak add character into my voice. They allow someone to analyze the type of person I am by the way I speak to them. That is being prejudice; however, everyone does it without realizing. My vocabulary, dialect, diction, and sentence phrasing is constantly developing due to my family, friends, and type of environment I am in.
Often, my stepmother, an English teacher, will correct the way I speak, attempting to make me talk more sophisticated. When I am in my home with my family my “personal language” evolves in order to convince them I have a scholarly vocabulary. However, the minute my bedroom door closes and I get a phone call from a friend “ya’ll,” “ain’t” and other typical southern words come pouring out of me. The way I speak, particularly my vocabulary transforms from one environment to the next within a split second. One minute I am in my dorm room kicked back on my bed with a friend using my beautiful slang, and the next I am sitting in a formal classroom setting dissecting the meaning of language.
Because my language changes according to who I am with or where I am doesn’t not mean that I necessarily try to “fit in.” Everyone at some point in their day changes the way they use their words because of who they are talking to. If I spoke to my friend in my dorm room the way I speak to my classmates, she would look at me as if I had three heads. No one expects anyone else to speak the same way everywhere you go no matter who you are with. The way I speak and the vocabulary I use is all a part of my own language, one in which is changed by those around me and my environment, but still a language that defines me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Blog Uno
Tyler Gunnin
Over the course of my lifetime, I have been exposed to many diverse languages. I was born in Atlanta and have lived around the area for close to nineteen years now. As a result of this, I have mainly been around the typical “Southern” accent. When I think about my heritage and my family, I really would have loved to have been more open to learning and understanding various languages.
Honestly, I do not know if I had ever heard another language besides my native English and a little Spanish here and there, because of the Mexican restaurants scattered around my town, until I moved into my seventh grade year. When presented with the opportunity to be able to choose between whether I would rather take a course in Spanish or French, I went out on a limb and chose the uncommon subject, French. I did not quite realize how much of an advantage I could have received by choosing Spanish because of the many Mexican-Americans in our country alone. Still, there is no way I regret selecting French to be my new language barrier to tackle. I took the course from seventh to tenth grade year and I became surprisingly fluent in the language. Actually, this may be a little lame, I was entered into contests my seventh and eighth grade year to be tested on my knowledge of the French I had learned. Both years I attended the competition, I received the top prize of being “superior”, and I later went on to being admitted to French Honor Society, and very close to graduating with my foreign language seal. Sadly enough as it is, today I could not sit here and hold a conversation in French. I know multiple words and sentences, but I would sound very much like a novice in learning the great language.
I also really enjoy being around my diverse friends from my high school, considering my entire family is either from Tennessee or Georgia. When going to family gatherings and being around my family’s Southern accent all the time, it gets a little too complacent for me in a way. I am thoroughly satisfied with my family’s great heritage and background, but all of the various accents and languages from my friends at school are great. My best friend just so happens to be Korean. Of course when we talk he sounds just like an average American, but when we get to his house, it is a whole new story. His mom and dad speak very little English, so he must speak to them in Korean. I love listening to them talk and having no clue whatsoever if they are talking about the weather, dinner, or how they don’t want that Tyler kid at their house every single day. He has actually taught me a few Korean words which I use when speaking to his parents, or any other person I see who looks Asian just to throw them off. Other diverse languages I hear from my buddies at school are: British, African, Spanish, German, Irish, Puerto Rican, Northern, and extremely Southern. I definitely have a ton of diverse friends I am around back at home, and they all have a different opinion on how we American people sound.
Language is a huge part of what sets people apart from one another. There are tons of different heritages and cultures throughout the world and all have that certain characteristic of language that brings them together as a whole. The greatest thing about language is that it may in fact bring families and ethnic groups together, but it also makes the entire world become one because of the motive language serves, communicating and expressing ideas to one another.
Over the course of my lifetime, I have been exposed to many diverse languages. I was born in Atlanta and have lived around the area for close to nineteen years now. As a result of this, I have mainly been around the typical “Southern” accent. When I think about my heritage and my family, I really would have loved to have been more open to learning and understanding various languages.
Honestly, I do not know if I had ever heard another language besides my native English and a little Spanish here and there, because of the Mexican restaurants scattered around my town, until I moved into my seventh grade year. When presented with the opportunity to be able to choose between whether I would rather take a course in Spanish or French, I went out on a limb and chose the uncommon subject, French. I did not quite realize how much of an advantage I could have received by choosing Spanish because of the many Mexican-Americans in our country alone. Still, there is no way I regret selecting French to be my new language barrier to tackle. I took the course from seventh to tenth grade year and I became surprisingly fluent in the language. Actually, this may be a little lame, I was entered into contests my seventh and eighth grade year to be tested on my knowledge of the French I had learned. Both years I attended the competition, I received the top prize of being “superior”, and I later went on to being admitted to French Honor Society, and very close to graduating with my foreign language seal. Sadly enough as it is, today I could not sit here and hold a conversation in French. I know multiple words and sentences, but I would sound very much like a novice in learning the great language.
I also really enjoy being around my diverse friends from my high school, considering my entire family is either from Tennessee or Georgia. When going to family gatherings and being around my family’s Southern accent all the time, it gets a little too complacent for me in a way. I am thoroughly satisfied with my family’s great heritage and background, but all of the various accents and languages from my friends at school are great. My best friend just so happens to be Korean. Of course when we talk he sounds just like an average American, but when we get to his house, it is a whole new story. His mom and dad speak very little English, so he must speak to them in Korean. I love listening to them talk and having no clue whatsoever if they are talking about the weather, dinner, or how they don’t want that Tyler kid at their house every single day. He has actually taught me a few Korean words which I use when speaking to his parents, or any other person I see who looks Asian just to throw them off. Other diverse languages I hear from my buddies at school are: British, African, Spanish, German, Irish, Puerto Rican, Northern, and extremely Southern. I definitely have a ton of diverse friends I am around back at home, and they all have a different opinion on how we American people sound.
Language is a huge part of what sets people apart from one another. There are tons of different heritages and cultures throughout the world and all have that certain characteristic of language that brings them together as a whole. The greatest thing about language is that it may in fact bring families and ethnic groups together, but it also makes the entire world become one because of the motive language serves, communicating and expressing ideas to one another.
Blog number one Tyler Benson
Tyler BensonEngl 1101Mrs. HughesBlog 1
Over the course of my life I have only been exposed to one language, and looking back on it I wish I had been exposed to at least one other. It is important to be in touch with your native culture, but it can be helpful to have a second language. As I speak only English, I was previously exposed to the language of Spanish which I was well taught in. As the years passed, however, I slowly lost most of the Spanish I knew as I did not study and rehearse it like I should have. Due to this I barely know any to this day and it is a real shame that it was a language lost.
I will say that language is a gift to have and those who are able to speak two languages will have more opportunities in many ways than others. Fortunately, I will take Spanish at Young Harris in the future so I may be able to get in touch with the language once again. Other than that I speak only English and I am very proud of it. It is important to respect and take pride in your original language because it is your culture. As we discussed in our previous class, if we did not have language we would not be able to come together as a people. So other than respecting your culture our language is important in means of survival as a group.
Hopefully I will be able to learn much more about the importance of language in our future classes. My history may not be rich with language only knowing one kind and having forgotten a second, but I hope my future will hold new adventures in the direction of language.
Tyler Benson
Over the course of my life I have only been exposed to one language, and looking back on it I wish I had been exposed to at least one other. It is important to be in touch with your native culture, but it can be helpful to have a second language. As I speak only English, I was previously exposed to the language of Spanish which I was well taught in. As the years passed, however, I slowly lost most of the Spanish I knew as I did not study and rehearse it like I should have. Due to this I barely know any to this day and it is a real shame that it was a language lost.
I will say that language is a gift to have and those who are able to speak two languages will have more opportunities in many ways than others. Fortunately, I will take Spanish at Young Harris in the future so I may be able to get in touch with the language once again. Other than that I speak only English and I am very proud of it. It is important to respect and take pride in your original language because it is your culture. As we discussed in our previous class, if we did not have language we would not be able to come together as a people. So other than respecting your culture our language is important in means of survival as a group.
Hopefully I will be able to learn much more about the importance of language in our future classes. My history may not be rich with language only knowing one kind and having forgotten a second, but I hope my future will hold new adventures in the direction of language.
Tyler Benson
I Speak Theatre
Bekah Medford
Engl 1101
Mrs.Hughes
Week 1
Being a theatre geek since...let’s just say diapers (I don’t count my kicking in my mother’s belly as dancing), I have been surrounded by many different forms of language. Each different type of language found in theatre whether it be different because of the dialect of the character, or the contrasting body language one uses to convey an emotion on stage has become important to who I am.
Though “the languages of theatre” may sound unfamiliar to the average American, they do in fact derive from the English language along with many other well known languages. Each different language has its affect on the many languages found on a stage. Being a native English speaker the words that I speak during a show are English. Yet still this English language I use can be broken down further by each dialect. From the thick slow country twang of a Southern woman in a trailer park, to the New Jersey accent of Frenchy, a dreamy teenager in Grease, each character I portrayed could not be brought to life without their own person language. Language also affects the setting of a story. The grammar I had to use for instance with Juliet has to use the grammar found in the Elizabethan English. Without the correct grammar and word usage the placement of the story would not have been clear, plus how dreamy is a guy playing Romeo if he just speaks normal present day English?
Because of constantly trying out new types of language for each show, it now has become a fun little past time of mine to imitate different types of languages or dialects. I love finding the different ways to place your tongue or hold your jaw to make a different sound. I have mastered a few, but will admit to still struggling with Irish. Another interesting fact, or rather sad I may add, is that I cannot roll my “r”s. Spanish was never one of my strong subjects even after taking three years of it in high school.
No one in my family is as fluent in theatre speak as I am but both my parents do speak a little Spanish. My sisters is quite a little language wonder herself, learning both Spanish and German this year in school. Though all three can speak a different language their southern accents are still clearly heard, making listening to them quite entertaining. I love my family’s slight southern accents. It connects us all to our background. Though I love it, being on stage I cannot let a southern accent shine through if it is not called for. This is something I must constantly be aware of when performing.
Theatre speak is definitely my favorite. Being involved in theatre, I have been affected by so many different types of languages and the dialects that come along with each one. I only hope that as I grow as a performer that I will also gain even more languages to add to my theatre collection!
Engl 1101
Mrs.Hughes
Week 1
Being a theatre geek since...let’s just say diapers (I don’t count my kicking in my mother’s belly as dancing), I have been surrounded by many different forms of language. Each different type of language found in theatre whether it be different because of the dialect of the character, or the contrasting body language one uses to convey an emotion on stage has become important to who I am.
Though “the languages of theatre” may sound unfamiliar to the average American, they do in fact derive from the English language along with many other well known languages. Each different language has its affect on the many languages found on a stage. Being a native English speaker the words that I speak during a show are English. Yet still this English language I use can be broken down further by each dialect. From the thick slow country twang of a Southern woman in a trailer park, to the New Jersey accent of Frenchy, a dreamy teenager in Grease, each character I portrayed could not be brought to life without their own person language. Language also affects the setting of a story. The grammar I had to use for instance with Juliet has to use the grammar found in the Elizabethan English. Without the correct grammar and word usage the placement of the story would not have been clear, plus how dreamy is a guy playing Romeo if he just speaks normal present day English?
Because of constantly trying out new types of language for each show, it now has become a fun little past time of mine to imitate different types of languages or dialects. I love finding the different ways to place your tongue or hold your jaw to make a different sound. I have mastered a few, but will admit to still struggling with Irish. Another interesting fact, or rather sad I may add, is that I cannot roll my “r”s. Spanish was never one of my strong subjects even after taking three years of it in high school.
No one in my family is as fluent in theatre speak as I am but both my parents do speak a little Spanish. My sisters is quite a little language wonder herself, learning both Spanish and German this year in school. Though all three can speak a different language their southern accents are still clearly heard, making listening to them quite entertaining. I love my family’s slight southern accents. It connects us all to our background. Though I love it, being on stage I cannot let a southern accent shine through if it is not called for. This is something I must constantly be aware of when performing.
Theatre speak is definitely my favorite. Being involved in theatre, I have been affected by so many different types of languages and the dialects that come along with each one. I only hope that as I grow as a performer that I will also gain even more languages to add to my theatre collection!
The Imporance of Being a Linguist
Leila Shearon
Engl 1101
Mrs. Hughes
Blog 1
When I ask myself the question, “has language affected my life?” my first response is no. As I think further into the subject I realize that language has affected my life a great deal. Despite the obvious fact of I am able to communicate with others in my life and create relationships of many kinds. A very important relationship at the present time that is effected by language is the relationship that I share with my boyfriend. He is actually from Haiti. He is fluent in Creole, French, English, and is presently learning Spanish. I have learned phrases in French and Creole. I also listen to many conversations between him and his family. Many times him being multilingual makes things interesting and different. Many people in America are limited to few ways of say things. He has many options. (I love you, Te amo, Je t 'aime, Mwen renmen 'w) It also can create problems. The strong accent can create issues throughout conversations. Languages make life interesting and enable people to interact with others at different levels. I have many Hispanic acquaintances. I also met many other people of different linguistic backgrounds, Hungarian, German, Russian, Polish and many others, during a tour of Eastern Europe. During a theater production in high school I also had to mimic a Brooklyn accent. I was surprised how my attitude changed as my voice was altered to fit the role of my character. I also played the role of an older southern rich woman. As I lengthened the vowels throughout the words of the script my attitude changed as well. I became an elderly woman that was kind yet was able to stand on her two feet. As I write this blog the realization of how something so common as language or an accent can affect ones attitude, thoughts, and relationships with others that you encounter in your life.
Engl 1101
Mrs. Hughes
Blog 1
When I ask myself the question, “has language affected my life?” my first response is no. As I think further into the subject I realize that language has affected my life a great deal. Despite the obvious fact of I am able to communicate with others in my life and create relationships of many kinds. A very important relationship at the present time that is effected by language is the relationship that I share with my boyfriend. He is actually from Haiti. He is fluent in Creole, French, English, and is presently learning Spanish. I have learned phrases in French and Creole. I also listen to many conversations between him and his family. Many times him being multilingual makes things interesting and different. Many people in America are limited to few ways of say things. He has many options. (I love you, Te amo, Je t 'aime, Mwen renmen 'w) It also can create problems. The strong accent can create issues throughout conversations. Languages make life interesting and enable people to interact with others at different levels. I have many Hispanic acquaintances. I also met many other people of different linguistic backgrounds, Hungarian, German, Russian, Polish and many others, during a tour of Eastern Europe. During a theater production in high school I also had to mimic a Brooklyn accent. I was surprised how my attitude changed as my voice was altered to fit the role of my character. I also played the role of an older southern rich woman. As I lengthened the vowels throughout the words of the script my attitude changed as well. I became an elderly woman that was kind yet was able to stand on her two feet. As I write this blog the realization of how something so common as language or an accent can affect ones attitude, thoughts, and relationships with others that you encounter in your life.
Interesting Background!
Carmen Solis
Engl 1101
Mrs. Hughes
Week 1
Español
Throughout our lives, we hear different styles of communication. The different dialogues that we hear around us have a huge impact on the way we talk. We all speak differently; we might talk with a dialect, jargon, or have an accent. But no matter how we talk, we are expressing the same purpose in our dialogue, but with different kinds of words.
I come from a Hispanic family and I am really proud to speak Spanish because not so many people have the privilege to learn a second language pretty well. I am bilingual, I speak Spanish and English. Coming from a family that only speaks Spanish, it is pretty hard to become accustomed to another language. Like everyone else who’s English is their second language, it is really hard to get use to another language and to hear it and not understanding what other people are talking about. When I got here to the United State, I was twelve years old; I did not know any words at all. I only knew some words that I heard in the streets. People would talk to me and I would say “soly, no English” and then I would smile. I know that sounds funny but that was the only communication I had with other people. It is hard to learn new rules that you have never heard of in your life.
For a while, I felt disconnected with everyone even the Spanish speakers. I felt this way because I used to talk with a dialect and jargons and no one understood when I spoke to them. School helped me a lot in learning and developing a new vocabulary. It extended my diction knowledge. Now that I know English, it kind of makes me feel connected to this culture. I feel like I can collaborate and start a new life in this country.
My family speaks Spanish but my parents know another language which is called Quechua—this is an Andes’ ancient language. They only speak in Quechua when they do not want us to hear or understand what they are talking about. I do not know how to speak or understand it. Even when they talk, it amazes me how they talk and how they pronounce the words. I realize that no matter in what language we are talking, we are all one and is really wonderful the capability that we have to learn another language. Also, my parents and I speak in jargons. For example, instead of saying child, which in Mexico they say “esquincle,” I say “Chibolito.” Some people had told me that I sound funny and sweet saying those kinds of words.
I am very proud that I am Hispanic or Latina! That makes me different and unique in a way. Even though I learned English, I would never forget who I am and where I come from. I have seen some people denying their Hispanic heritage because they think that non-Hispanic are going to segregate them. But not me, I can scream and say that I am 100% Latina! Knowing another language is something valuable. Not so many people are bilingual and even though it’s hard at first, at the end it has a reward. I like it when people come up to me for help or for curiosity asking me how do I say some words in Spanish. I feel that it I am valuable and it feels nice that people don’t take you for granted. I know I have an accent and people have told me that. I don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed; instead, I feel that I have accomplished something that I would have never thought I would have. I never thought I could learn English, but I did it and I am very proud of it. I know that I am still going to expand my diction and vocabulary knowledge and here at Young Harris it’s going to be a whole new experience with my linguistic language.
Engl 1101
Mrs. Hughes
Week 1
Español
Throughout our lives, we hear different styles of communication. The different dialogues that we hear around us have a huge impact on the way we talk. We all speak differently; we might talk with a dialect, jargon, or have an accent. But no matter how we talk, we are expressing the same purpose in our dialogue, but with different kinds of words.
I come from a Hispanic family and I am really proud to speak Spanish because not so many people have the privilege to learn a second language pretty well. I am bilingual, I speak Spanish and English. Coming from a family that only speaks Spanish, it is pretty hard to become accustomed to another language. Like everyone else who’s English is their second language, it is really hard to get use to another language and to hear it and not understanding what other people are talking about. When I got here to the United State, I was twelve years old; I did not know any words at all. I only knew some words that I heard in the streets. People would talk to me and I would say “soly, no English” and then I would smile. I know that sounds funny but that was the only communication I had with other people. It is hard to learn new rules that you have never heard of in your life.
For a while, I felt disconnected with everyone even the Spanish speakers. I felt this way because I used to talk with a dialect and jargons and no one understood when I spoke to them. School helped me a lot in learning and developing a new vocabulary. It extended my diction knowledge. Now that I know English, it kind of makes me feel connected to this culture. I feel like I can collaborate and start a new life in this country.
My family speaks Spanish but my parents know another language which is called Quechua—this is an Andes’ ancient language. They only speak in Quechua when they do not want us to hear or understand what they are talking about. I do not know how to speak or understand it. Even when they talk, it amazes me how they talk and how they pronounce the words. I realize that no matter in what language we are talking, we are all one and is really wonderful the capability that we have to learn another language. Also, my parents and I speak in jargons. For example, instead of saying child, which in Mexico they say “esquincle,” I say “Chibolito.” Some people had told me that I sound funny and sweet saying those kinds of words.
I am very proud that I am Hispanic or Latina! That makes me different and unique in a way. Even though I learned English, I would never forget who I am and where I come from. I have seen some people denying their Hispanic heritage because they think that non-Hispanic are going to segregate them. But not me, I can scream and say that I am 100% Latina! Knowing another language is something valuable. Not so many people are bilingual and even though it’s hard at first, at the end it has a reward. I like it when people come up to me for help or for curiosity asking me how do I say some words in Spanish. I feel that it I am valuable and it feels nice that people don’t take you for granted. I know I have an accent and people have told me that. I don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed; instead, I feel that I have accomplished something that I would have never thought I would have. I never thought I could learn English, but I did it and I am very proud of it. I know that I am still going to expand my diction and vocabulary knowledge and here at Young Harris it’s going to be a whole new experience with my linguistic language.
Dishon Blog Uno
Jonathan Dishon
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
August 20, 2009
Being raised during my early childhood in Augusta, Georgia and Clemson, South Carolina i was taught what most would call the southern style of speaking English. All of my family is English speaking so i was not exposed to a different language until my family was relocated to Germany. I moved to Germany at the beginning of my 1st grade year, but it was not until I was starting 2nd grade my family decided that it would be good for me to attend German school. I was afraid that I would not understand anyone and they would not understand me so I would not make good grades. But luckily for me they had a teacher who could speak English so I was able to get by. While I was in German school I got to take all kinds of very interesting field trips. I was able to go to Belgium, Holland, and France. So during my stint in Germany I was not only exposed to German but to Dutch and French as well. At the start of the 4th grade my family moved back to Augusta where I did not get any exposure to another foreign language until my 6th grade year. From 6th grade all the way until 10th grade I studied Spanish. Taking Spanish in both middle and high school was very helpful. After finishing Spanish in the 10th grade I tried to keep my skills honed by watching the Spanish television channels, but that did not really work out for me. This summer though I was able to go to Ecuador, and their I was able to use some of my much depleted Spanish skills. It was a very interesting experience for me. Although I would love to say that I am bilingual in English and Spanish I do not think my Spanish is quite good enough. So that is my exposure to the different types of language so far and hopefully I will get to experience many more.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lowe- Blog 1
Mary Elizabeth Lowe
English 1101
Hughes
Blog 1
Throughout our lives there are a variety of influences which bombard us on a daily basis from many different avenues such as the media and billboards, to friends and family. This is no less true regarding the linguistic influences which mold and shape our minds and voices into the people we are today.
As a young child during my formative years I was closely connected to my parents and their unique speech patterns and lexicons were undoubtedly the number one factor in my own linguistic development. My mother is a native Georgian and my father is Bahamian, which in itself created a unique mix of accents and words; however, they then moved to Ohio and resided there for a number of years prior to their move to Alabama and the dawn of my existence. I believe that these differing accents joining together have served as a direct influence upon me and certainly merit mention in my history of language.
Another aspect which has impacted my language is the fact that I was homeschooled until the tenth grade which made my linguistic experience quite different from the majority of the population. While I was involved in sports, clubs, academic organizations and various other exposures to language, the majority of my time was spent with my family and their language standards.
An additional part of my linguistic history concerns my study of foreign languages. During school I learned a sample of both Latin, which I studied during middle school, and Spanish, which I was taught during high school. Though I cannot speak Spanish fluently the base knowledge of these two languages has broadened the scope of my root word understanding.
One common occurrence in my life which I have found rather odd is the repeated misbelief that I am from somewhere other than Alabama and Georgia. Many times while making small talk with nurses, bankers, or other stranger they ask me where I am from and they act rather shocked to learn I live in the same county in which they reside. They then explain their reaction by stating I have an accent resembling those from "the north". To me this is a peculiar thing to say because to me I sound just like everyone else around me here in the south, so it will be interesting to see how my accent adapts following my time here at Young Harris as I continue building my linguistic history one day at a time.
English 1101
Hughes
Blog 1
Throughout our lives there are a variety of influences which bombard us on a daily basis from many different avenues such as the media and billboards, to friends and family. This is no less true regarding the linguistic influences which mold and shape our minds and voices into the people we are today.
As a young child during my formative years I was closely connected to my parents and their unique speech patterns and lexicons were undoubtedly the number one factor in my own linguistic development. My mother is a native Georgian and my father is Bahamian, which in itself created a unique mix of accents and words; however, they then moved to Ohio and resided there for a number of years prior to their move to Alabama and the dawn of my existence. I believe that these differing accents joining together have served as a direct influence upon me and certainly merit mention in my history of language.
Another aspect which has impacted my language is the fact that I was homeschooled until the tenth grade which made my linguistic experience quite different from the majority of the population. While I was involved in sports, clubs, academic organizations and various other exposures to language, the majority of my time was spent with my family and their language standards.
An additional part of my linguistic history concerns my study of foreign languages. During school I learned a sample of both Latin, which I studied during middle school, and Spanish, which I was taught during high school. Though I cannot speak Spanish fluently the base knowledge of these two languages has broadened the scope of my root word understanding.
One common occurrence in my life which I have found rather odd is the repeated misbelief that I am from somewhere other than Alabama and Georgia. Many times while making small talk with nurses, bankers, or other stranger they ask me where I am from and they act rather shocked to learn I live in the same county in which they reside. They then explain their reaction by stating I have an accent resembling those from "the north". To me this is a peculiar thing to say because to me I sound just like everyone else around me here in the south, so it will be interesting to see how my accent adapts following my time here at Young Harris as I continue building my linguistic history one day at a time.
ENG 1101: “Language Controversies”
Week 1, Day 3
Blog Prompt 1
Your first blog assignment is a personal essay. It should be between 300-600 words, but feel free to write more if you get inspired! You may write using the first person (I) and describe one or several aspects of your linguistic history. Some topics you might wish to cover include:
Week 1, Day 3
Blog Prompt 1
Your first blog assignment is a personal essay. It should be between 300-600 words, but feel free to write more if you get inspired! You may write using the first person (I) and describe one or several aspects of your linguistic history. Some topics you might wish to cover include:
- The languages you have been exposed to over the course of your life, and how important they are to who you are. Is English your native language? Are you bilingual or multilingual? Did you learn other languages as a child and then forget them? Have you taken courses in other languages?
- The relationship between family and language. Do any members of your family speak other languages and dialects than you do? Does that make you feel connected to another culture, or make you feel estranged?
- How has school has affected your language? Have teachers made you try to speak differently (or write differently) than you would otherwise? Do you admire academic standards of language, resent them, or do you care?
- Any stories about yourself and your language that you think are funny, interesting, or say a lot about who you are. Have you ever gone abroad and come back speaking with a different accent just for fun? Have people from other regions or countries commented a lot upon your accent?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Welcome!
Dear All,
Welcome to the blogging site for ENG 1101: Language Controversies, section 9. This is where you'll be posting your Friday responses each week before class. It's a "greener" and tech-savvy way for you to practice your writing.
Best,
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
Welcome to the blogging site for ENG 1101: Language Controversies, section 9. This is where you'll be posting your Friday responses each week before class. It's a "greener" and tech-savvy way for you to practice your writing.
Best,
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
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