AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENGLISH

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENGLISH

Question 1

Brennan believes in helping kids articulate switch between dialects as key to their prosperity. However, Washington believes that it is difficult for a young child to translate since dialect plays a vital unrecognized role in student learning (Brennan, 2018). As such, the author outlines that the dialect plays a significant role in the increasing test scores gap between the whites and the blacks. Brennan shows that the reading about “are you my mother” outlined problems by people using the African-American dialect relative to English life.

Question 2

I have ever read a text in one language and translated it into a different linguistic background. While summarizing the context, I ensured that I did not lose the intended meaning to promote continuity. Also, I paid key attention not to translate word by word since it would alter the overall meaning and readability. I do not speak one language but would like to learn Spanish due to its global relevance based on increased interactions.

Question 3

At one time, I code switched between two the two languages I am mostly conversant. The codeswitching process involved alternating between the languages to deliver the intended message in the correct context. I practiced code-switching since I was upset due to numerous distractions in the working environment. As such, I needed to show solidarity to my group to promote cohesiveness while interacting.

Question 4

Labov stipulated that methods used in teachings should be used while learning English as a foreign language (Brennan, 2018). As such, Labov used the guidelines to further the understanding of the reigning theory. So, he proposed that teachers should always use simple language while writing on the blackboard for easier learning. Also, teachers should pronounce each and every letter in the right manner to improve learning clarity.

Question 5

Washington found out that many of the children use AAE varieties relative to their regions of origin. So, Washington concluded that dialects are really complex hence affecting learning experiences in class. However, children having strong dialects often face challenges since their teachers are mostly AAE speakers (Brennan, 2018). Hence, she believed that dialects play a significant role in the widening white-black literacy gaps in America.  Washington notes that black and white children at the kindergarten level have literally small literacy gaps, but the margin increases as they further their studies. Therefore, she proposes that helping the children learn their dialects in school would help reduce the widening literacy gap. Also, Washington developed new insights into code-switching to address critical problems in reading.

Question 6

The parents referred by Washington as using black English were furious until one mother erupted at her to explain what she really meant. The mother yelled at Washington and told her that they do not talk black English (Brennan, 2018). Most of the parents were silent and amazed at why Washington had to refer to them as black English speakers.

Question 7

How did African Americans develop and grow their roots in America?

Black English grew in the US due to the high numbers of slaves captured from West Africa. In the learning process, the African slaves incorporated their dialect hence leading the black English in America.

Question 8

How could code-switching be used in the learning context?

Reference

Brennan, W. (2018). Julie Washington’s Quest to Get Schools to Respect African-American English. Retrieved 24 February 2020, from https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/04/the-code-switcher/554099/