• What are the two models of learning English and their implications?

There exists the Lingua Franca Model, created by Braj Kachru, and the World English Model, by Tom McArthur. Kachru’s model carries the implication that other varieties of English spread out from the United States and the United Kingdom, meaning that they are the authorites on the language. Other dialects are shown in wider circles and are seen as extensions of the “correct” version of the language. English serves as their Linuga Franca. McArthur’s model gives more value to other versions of English, setting them on the same level as American and British English. Here, dialects become extensions from general definitions for the language spoken in that region.

• Does linguistic insecurity occur in other languages?

It does! Dialects exist in virtually every major modern language. In Colombia, some may say someone from Bogota speaks “cleaner” Spanish than others in the country, but grammatically there are exactly the same. It all depends on who the power lies with in the society.

• What are the political implications of language imperialism for English? Have some areas already reached a certain threshold of language imperialism (English) internationally, such as politics?

It sets a standard that only a specific kind of English is accepted in society, and thus gives power to those who can use it effectively. It limits the opportunities for others, something that’s already occurred to speakers of AAVE, as we saw from Articulate While Black. I would argue that when speakers come to America / the United Kingdom, their versions of English are also less valued for deviating from this false “standard”.

Reading this language preservation article and also doing other research for my project, I’ve been thinking a lot about the responsibility of language preservation. I personally feel that the governments of countries with endangered languages should fund and prioritize preservation projects. But I’m curious about other people who could get involved. Is this an issue that people from other countries, such as language activists, educators, and linguists should get involved in? Should this work be done more internally? These are just some bigger questions and maybe there’s no right answer but I think it’s interesting to keep this in mind.

Here is an article I found and used for my paper that discusses why endangered languages should be preserved and at what cost. It’s a very interesting article and it’s helpful for the final paper.

 

https://aeon.co/essays/should-endangered-languages-be-preserved-and-at-what-cost

I found this article when researching for my final project. It’s an easy read that any non-linguist can understand and it brings up a lot of points we have covered during this class about the relationships between language, society, and personal identity.

https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/ezpvx4/why-humans-dont-have-a-universal-language

Tuesday, May 1: Rough draft due!

Please bring 2 copies of your “shitty first draft” of your Language Preservation project to class.

Handouts: Language Preservation Project and Language Preservation Project Grading Criteria

 

Thursday, May 4: Presentation prep day

2:30-3pm: Optional work time (prep your presentation in class)

3pm: Practice your presentation and workshop it with classmates

Handouts: 3MT Final Presentation

1. What words are used over other in your area of study? Have you experienced differences in writing styles due to having a liberal arts experience?

In my experience, the word “use” should be used over the word “utilized” in the English department. Generally, ‘utilized’ is seen as a more scientific word, whereas ‘use’ is more colloquial. Also, my senior year English teacher simply abhorred the word “utilized,” and thought that it was an overzealous “used.” That being said, I have definitely seen utilized being used in other departments, meaning I have been exposed to different styles due to the liberal arts experience

1. At another point, the author mentions how the singular “they or their” should be excluded when gendered pronouns are avoided, for sentence fluidity’s sake: “Neither is considered acceptable in formal writing…do not use them in a singular sense.” (303). How might this argument be seen differently than an author of a Style Guide on writing?

This argument would be seen differently by an author of a Style Guide because he/she would be leaving an entire group without a way to express themselves accurately in writing. Simply, there needs to exist an option for moments where gendered pronouns are being avoided, otherwise the sentence wouldn’t be writeable.