language of power or tolerance

The question asks why teach the language of power to minority children, why not just teach everyone tolerance. In a perfect world, it would be just that simple, but we don't live in a perfect world. As much as teacher preach about tolerance, that is an idea that is learned at home. Children follow their parents examples and when the parents have prejudices, the kids will have the same. It is extremely difficult to unlearn an intolerance. So instead of just teaching tolerance, it is important to teach the minority children the language of power so that they will have the tools to even the playing field of life.

Jennifer Putnam

topic one: language and power

I am responding to the first topic on the relationship between power and language. I have a different perspective on this issue than I think Delpit does. I work with toddlers with Autism so I see the power of language in its very basic form. Our kids are often without any means to communicate. Our first goal is simply to teach a child to express him/her self. If gestures and unintelligible jargon is the only result then we are successful. Teaching a child to communicate effectively should be the most important aspect of being a teacher. I believe the community should have a say in what kind of language is central to that child’s future, but the child needs to have the last word. Regardless of what we tell children is the “right” language, children will succeed if they are confident.
Jessye Saemenes

Welcome

Welcome to your Grammar Blog. Your assignment is to respond to one of the following questions related to Lisa Delpit’s “The Silenced Dialogue.” Aim for about 100-150 words, and post it to your team blog. Please follow the following guidelines:
1. Identify your entry with a title that suggests the content.
2. Sign your first and last name at the end.
3. Single space.

You may respond to other people’s posts through the comment feature. You may also read the blogs of the other groups by going to:
http://writingcommonsone.blogspot.com
http://writingcommonstwo.blogspot.com
etc. through http://writingcommonsseven.blogspot.com

You can add a comment to other blogs by using the comment feature. You can only post to your own blog.

Questions (choose one):
1. If you are preparing to teach, what are you taking away from Delpit’s article regarding language and power that might help you as a teacher, and how could you apply these ideas to your proposed level of teaching?

2. One student asked, “Why do we have to discuss teaching minority children the language of power? Why not just teach everyone acceptance?” Respond.

3. For one of Delpit’s specific proposals (refer to the article), discuss the challenges of implementation. How could these challenges be addressed?

4. If you are not planning to teach, how do issues of language and power apply in the field you plan to enter? Does Delpit offer relevant insight?