into varieties forms. In the United States, although English is known to be the central language, it branches into contrasting dialects such as Standard American English (SAE) and Vernacular English. SAE is the general formal dialect used professionally amongst educated subject while vernacular is more of an informal dialect used in everyday conversations. A special form of vernacular dialect is the mother tongue language that immigrant or non-English speaker would use when they are having difficulty…
America possess a variety of English dialects, creoles, and accents. However, not all of these students are aware of the differences between their way of speaking and Standard American English or SAE. Although one’s English dialect or creole is valuable and functional in their home and community, increasing one’s proficiency in SAE for use in the educational setting will add to their “toolkit” of skills but may also require support. Explanation of Standard Language, Dialects, and Creoles Standard Language…
The Appalachian English (AE) dialect has changed over time. AE developed in the 1700s when Scottish-Irish immigrants settled in the cheap, mountainous territory that makes up the Appalachian Mountains. Isolated from the outside world for centuries, the Appalachian people spoke a distinct dialect that became known as AE. Unique features characterize the speech in Appalachia; the use of these features is fading as the area becomes less isolated. Migration and advances in technology have played a…
The issue of dialect and education and, in particular, what dialect is correct to use in the classroom has generated a debate in schools. “Linguistic research defines a dialect, or language variety, as a variety of a language that is associated with a particular regional or social group.” Contrary to popular belief, dialect is not a lesser or ungrammatical way of speaking. All dialects are logical even though they may vary in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary (Godley, Sweetland, Wheeler, Minnici…
evolving, and the English language is no exception. Through its history, English has adapted itself to the contexts in which people were living, introducing new words or deleting ones that were not used anymore, amongst other changes. Over the last century, many new inventions influenced the language. One of the most important elements that is presently shaping and changing the use of English is the advances in technologies, from which emerged what is called ‘textspeak’: a dialect of English used by people…
children that are learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD). I worked with two children, Z and B. After talking to their teacher I found out that Z had been at the school for the semester and did not respond to any English or try to communicate in English at all. This was slightly worrying as I was unsure how I was going to connect with her. B, on the other hand, had a good grasp on the English language. However, he did have some issues with pronunciation of English words, making him harder…
American English has been viewed more as an obstacle than a dialect to the children who speak it. Since the 1960’s many have questioned the abilities of the children who speak African American English. The dialect has been considered a “slang” in the education system; and in 1979 it was ruled that African American English serves as a barrier in the classroom (Green, 2002). According to the 2000 Nations Report Card (National Assessment of Educational Progress) speakers of African American English are…
In English instruction, both slang and dialect are treated as unsatisfactory forms of communication. The emphasis on proper English in the classroom neglects to acknowledge the diversity of the speakers who constitute the Diaspora of English. Consequently, many English speakers do not even know the difference between slang and dialect, and are unaware of how their own speech is affected. For instance, if a young person were to say “I ain’t got no homework today”, this may be interpreted as slang…
understanding of different dialects of English such as American English, Canadian English and Australian English is a very impressive skill, it allows people from different societies to be able to interact in a way that they feel comfortable with each other. Although the English language has been firm, the recent emerges of different societies has resulted in the English language to break down into different dialects to enable better communication and understanding. The English language has always been…
The highly ambiguous phrase, Standard English, is commonly synonymous with “proper English”. This misconception extends from preconceived notions about speech and social class and discrimination against “nonstandard” dialects. I would like to propose a blog with the purpose of educating the subscribers on English dialects within the United Sates. The blog would increase exposure and acceptance of “nonstandard” dialects, by teaching the public about dialects in general and exploring the phonology…