Should+Writers+Use+They+Own+English_

Introduction

  • Article title: "Should Writers Use They Own English?"

  • Author: Vershawn Ashanti Young

  • Published in: Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2010

Background of Argument

  • Discussion of language use in academia, particularly among students.

  • Young critiques Stanley Fish's perspective on language.

  • Fish argues for teaching a single standard language for students to avoid prejudice.

    • Advocates for abandoning students' rights to their own dialects, suggesting they become vulnerable if they don't conform.

Critique of Standard Language Ideology

  • Young's response emphasizes that prejudice arises from attitudes of those in power, not from the dialects themselves.

    • Claims that linguistic prejudice leads to discrimination against speakers of non-standard dialects.

  • The study of language must consider the societal implications, not only the technical aspects.

Key Points on Language Diversity

  • Young argues for the acceptance of multiple dialects in writing and speaking, rather than strictly enforcing standard English.

  • Denunciation of the dominant language ideology, which posits that standard English is the only effective means of communication.

    • To learn effective communication, students should be educated in multiple dialects.

      • This includes blending regional, cultural, and personal variants of language.

The Concept of Code Meshing

  • Definition of Code Meshing: the blending of multiple dialects within speech or writing.

  • Differentiation from Code Switching: where one shifts between languages or dialects based on context.

  • Young supports teaching code meshing as a natural representation of communication.

Examples of Code Meshing

  • Young cites examples from politicians (e.g., Senator Grassley) and academics who utilize vernacular and standard English effectively.

    • Illustrates that even in professional settings, language blending occurs.

  • Specific incidents highlight that such examples challenge the prescriptive view of language.

The Need for Linguistic Flexibility

  • Advocates for attention to language diversity in educational settings.

  • States that people are often multi-dialectal and should not be forced into a single-mode of expression.

  • Emphasizes that mastering one dialect cannot equate to effective writing for everyone.

Conclusion

  • Young encourages a shift in perspective on what constitutes "good writing" beyond standardized forms.

  • Promoting acceptance of linguistic diversity can help reduce prejudice.

  • Final assertion: A holistic understanding of language and rhetoric can improve communication skills across varying contexts.