Today, I had another opportunity to talk with one of my classes about the underlying importance of language. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily minutiae of teaching or attending class that it also becomes easy to lose sight of the foundational reasons for being there in the first place.
Similar to the events that have caused the same conversation in different classes, a student expressed that understanding correct grammar does not matter as long as one's audience understands what is being said. In fact, after the class arrived at the correct answer for a certain grammar mistake, one student interjected that I needed to use "Whitley County Language."
At this point, we started a conversation about misconceptions the outside world holds against Appalachians -- that they are all ignorant cousin-marrying hillbillies, for example. We also talked about the fact that most of them do not read and care little for language. I expressed to them that it is impossible to know oneself apart from a growing understanding of language. If one can learn to read and appreciate a piece of literature, one also becomes more able to read oneself and others.
Finally, we spoke about the beauty amidst difficulties they've experienced growing up in Appalachia. What they did not realize is that they are part of a unique people, dialect, and culture; however, without appreciating and seeking to better understand language, they won't be able to understand themselves, family, and culture, nor will they be able to express their unique perspective and understanding.
Through our discussion, the students got a glimpse into why I am there -- that my goal is not to pile homework on their backs but to help them -- in the end -- to think more clearly and to understand and express their individual and community identities.
No comments:
Post a Comment