Language and Identity

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an accent as: 

"a distinctive manner of expression: such as

a: a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region

spoke with a Russian accent

b: an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words —usually used in plural" (Merriam-Webster, 2023)

An accent is simply the way that one speaks, their pronunciation, and is  not rule governed.  

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a dialect as: 

"a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language

the Doric dialect of ancient Greek

a dialect of Chinese spoken in Hong Kong" (Merriam-Webster, 2023)

A dialect includes the accent and is the rule-governed variety of a language used by a group of people. 

This chart, although not an exhaustive list, provides several examples of phonological and grammatical variations of AAVE as compared to Standard American English (SAE).   

(T.,  2014)

This chart, although not an exhaustive list, provides several examples of phonological and grammatical variations of Spanish Influenced English as compared to Standard American English (SAE).   

(Fox, 2015)

No formal discussion questions will be graded this week.  However, an open discussion forum is available for this module on Canvas to encourage class discussion.

Introduction:

The roles of race, class, and gender in our language use are significant. While they are sometimes less obvious in daily life, they can often be seen clearly in literature. This assignment will examine children's literature to find examples of the impact of race, class and gender on language use.

Completion Instructions:

Choose a children's book or short young adult novel which portrays a character using language influenced by race, class, or gender.

Create a video book report by completing the following:

• Share the title and author of the book (You can use a tangible book or e-book, but please show the front cover of the book on video)

• Share the date of publication and why that might affect the language use

• Share the age/grade range of children who are the target audience for this book

• Share the name of the character whose language you are analyzing

• Share a personal description of the character (e.g., age, gender, race, etc.), along with any illustrations that may be provided

• Read at least two quotes from the character

• Summarize the language use and the role of race, class, and/or gender in the creation of this character

• Share your personal impressions of this book and the language use of this character

Please note that you are not being asked to retell the story but to analyze the story's content, specifically the use of language. 

This assignment will be graded based on your ability to analyze language use in literature. Your assignment should demonstrate an ability to present your personal considerations and observations professionally.

Submission Instructions:

Your video and additional information should be uploaded to the provided PowerPoint slide. Each student will find their own prepared slide in the OneDrive folder titled "Module 5 Video Book Report".  Examples are also provided through the link in Canvas for your reference.  

For this assignment, nothing is required to be submitted through Canvas. Your video should not exceed 5 minutes in length and should include all the information requested. ​

Please DO NOT add additional slides to the presentation or edit slides belonging to other students.