Second Assignment - A True Story, Repeated Word for Word As I Heard It by Mark Twain

 It's always been hard for me to read and comprehend deep southern accents.  When I find I need to (as I do for this assignment) I tend to read them out loud which helps but then I instantly feel less intelligent and that bothers me.  Here are some my observations about this writing in particular: 

Words- The use of apostrophes is great.  It seems like every third word has one.  They are used in place of "D's" quite frequently and instead of other letters as well. They are used in "traditional" ways too, however. The spelling used is not "standard" in many instances.  My favorite example of this is "mawnin" instead of morning.  Another common one would be "dat" instead of that. Often times a new section would start with her saying "Well".

Syntax- The speaker uses repetition a lot. Often times correcting or adding something the second time she expressed a sentiment. The language felt very different to me but never could I completely not decider the meaning behind it.  I like that the writing sounds.  At least for me, I hear the words of Aunt Rachel instead of just seeing/reading them.  I don't know if anyone else will understand or relate. The language reminded me of Zora Neale Hurston's Characteristics of Negro Expression.  Many of my observations would fit into the categories she determines in her essay.  

First Assignment - What Teachers of English Should Teach

 

Proficiency in English has become increasingly important.  Job markets are more competitive than in past decades and writing well can immediately make a person standout. As English teachers we need to prepare students for the “real world” by giving them the tools they need to be competitive in the working realm they will encounter after leaving the school system.  Teaching them the “syntaxical” and grammatical techniques they will need to become good writers is important. Elementary teachers should responsible for teaching the backbones of good writing while secondary teachers, like I hope to be, should teach the more in-depth facets of writing well.  Writing well will be an advantage when they apply for college acceptance, scholarships, jobs and various other modalities. Students can learn and practice writing well in a number of ways. It is important for teachers to let students explore different types of writing in the classroom. English teachers, in my experience, often neglect the verbal component of the language but I feel this should be given attention in the classroom as well. 

 

While language is essential and practical it also has creative possibilities.  Language is an art.  Students may find music, dance, painting, etc. a form of personal expression but can also discover language to be an outlet.  Giving opportunities for creative writing, journaling, and poetry is important. Some students will not find it helpful but others will forever appreciate being taught to use English in this way.  Encouraging students to learn to use language to benefit themselves in academic, professional, and personal capacities is what teachers of English should do.