Sep 19, 2011

A Second Language

By Timothy R Butler | Posted at 5:51 AM

The ever interesting Stanley Fish wrote awhile back on students wanting to observe their own “dialects” and “styles” instead of proper English grammar:

And if students infected with the facile egalitarianism of soft multiculturalism declare, “I have a right to my own language,” reply, “Yes, you do, and I am not here to take that language from you; I'm here to teach you another one.” (Who could object to learning a second language?) And then get on with it.

I don't always agree with Fish, but here is one place we are in perfect agreement.

Article Path: Home: Books, Literature and Language: A Second Language

Join the Conversation

3 comments posted so far.

Re: A Second Language

That’s a great way to communicate the role of teaching, whether it’s requiring students to follow Strunk & White or helping the 20-something struggling to find work figure out that what he wears really does matter and isn’t just an act of oppression. :???:

Posted by Caedmon Michael - Sep 19, 2011 | 7:34 PM- Location: prayer + patience + poetry

Re: A Second Language

“Sure, kid, keep your personal language dialect. Keep it away from class, while you’re at it.” :twisted:

Posted by Ed Hurst - Sep 20, 2011 | 5:53 PM- Location: "All Creation is but a tool for His glory."

Re: A Second Language

Caedmon, I think you are right.

Ed, nicely played.

Posted by Timothy Butler - Sep 24, 2011 | 1:00 AM- Location: Blah.

Create or Sign In to Your Account

Post as a Visitor

:mrgreen: :neutral: :twisted: :arrow: :shock: :smile: :???: :cool: :evil: :grin: :idea: :oops: :razz: :roll: :wink: :cry: :eek: :lol: :mad: :sad: :!: :?:
Remember my information