Reading, Rapping, & Codeswitching
- 1. “ Rapping, Reading and Role-Playing” by Keith Gilyard A’Kena LongBenton, MA, PMC EDP 9310 9.8.11
- 2. Early Language Black English* A.K.A. Black English Vernacular or Ebonics Oakland, CA—1990’s national story* Legitimate Linguistic System Research Dating Back 3 Decades Smitherman (1977) Dillard (1973) Haskins & Burts (1973)
- 3. Smitherman’s Definition “ Black Dialect is an Africanized form of English reflecting Black America’s linguistic-cultural heritage and the conditions of servitude, oppression and life in America” (1977). Layman’s term—Black English dates all the way back to slavery and reflects its effects
- 4. Black English Example Incorrect Use of “To Be” Verb and Word Ending Omissions Example— “What is they doin Sherry?” Question: Do you notice the improper verb conjugation and word ending omission?
- 5. Zero Copula Rule “To Be” Verb Omission Examples: “ Oh you so stupid Keith.” “ Then why you laughin?” “ It gon be more fun too.” Question: Which helping verb is missing in the above sentences ?
- 6. Multiple Negations Example: “ Ain’t no teacher can keep no class late like that.” Questions: Can you determine the three negations? How could the sentence be improved?
- 7. Two Languages Definition Bidialectical = Biloquialism = to speak two different languages, e.g., Black English and Standard English
- 8. Code-switching Definition “ Ability to move back and forth among languages, dialects, and registers with ease, as demanded by the social situation.” Elgin (1979)
- 9. Another Definition “ A strategy by which the skilled speaker uses his knowledge of how language choices are interpreted in his community to structure the interaction so as to maximize outcomes favorable to himself.” Penalosa (1981)
- 10. Code-switching Made Easy Layman’s Terms—speaking appropriately to fit within a given social situation Key Concepts—social awareness and skill set
- 11. Who’s more likely to use code-switching? Younger or older adolescents? Older adolescents Younger are capable and understand it, but have little desire to participate Older adolescents are more aware of “the social sensitivities associated with different kinds of languages and dialects” (Smitherman 1977).
- 12. The Reading Process Smith (1979) Predictions Not new and does not have to be learned Our natural way of making sense of the world “ Making Sense” Most Important Factor of Reading Primary Reason We Read
- 13. Types of Readers Efficient Readers—do not decode words to sound Skilled Readers—can read faster than they speak Fluent Readers—requires the least graphics “ Meaningful language is transparent; we look through words for the meaning beyond” (Smith 1979).
- 14. Varying Views of the Reading Process McCracken & Walcutt (1963) and Spache ( 1964) View reading as a linear, cumulative process Goodman (1967) views reading as a selective leap toward meaning begin reading meaning
- 15. The Not-So Great Debate Phonics Rudolf Flesch (1955) Code approach to reading 180 Spelling-to-Sound Rules Primary way many of us learned to read in school Smith (1980) Global—reading for meaning Print is meaningful Print differs from speech Exposure to a variety of interesting and complex text Reading will become natural like oral language Whole Language
- 16. Phonics Don’t Always Work Different Initial “ho” Sound hot hope hook hoot house hoist horse horizon honey hour honest
- 17. Moving Beyond Whole Language & Phonics Reading is developed when more reading strategies are utilized. Cannot be “tied” to solely whole language or phonics
- 18. Literature’s Impact on Reading When the imagination is not utilized reading is likened to “learning to walk with one leg” (Holdaway 1979). Stories & poems—spur our curiosity Curious George text—adventurous encounters Literature enlightens our lives
- 19. Interesting Literature Quotes “ Life will never be a substitute for literature, it’s not long enough” (Rouse 1978). “ A common adage says, ‘Knowledge is power.’ Although this statement cannot be truer, the imagination is even more powerful” (Long 2003).
- 20. Literature’s Impact cont. There is an art in listening to someone read to you Differs from listening to someone talk to you Positive impact on reading skills especially reading to children before birth
- 21. Early Exposure Leads to Awareness Early exposure to vocabulary Awareness of prediction, context clues, and plot Become aware of conventions, e.g., left to right, top to bottom, left page first…
- 22. Family’s Impact on Reading Competitive with older sister to show mom reading skills If the family regards reading skills as a cherished possession, then the social value of reading is increased. Homes should be enabling not disabling. Consistency is the key to communicative development.
- 23. Impression Management Role-playing = adapting to the situations Learn cues from others (White, middle-class, Jewish) Utilize those cues (grammar and nonverbal) to guide others’ impression of self
- 24. Microscope Rap Lyricist: A’Kena Long (1988) Eyepiece Course adjustments Fine adjustments
- 25. Rapping in Science Class Microscope Lyrics With a microscope you can see things not seen with the human eye The eyepiece on the microscope will let you find out why Using the fine and course adjustments will better you to see Because in the laboratory is the only place it be
- 26. Chorus Go micro Get busy Get busy microscope (Repeat)
- 27. Discussion Questions Why are there opposing views to Black English? Is code-switching only prevalent in the Black community? What are the benefits of code-switching? Do you support whole language theory? What are the disadvantages of phonics? What would be the effects if our community focused on healthy academic competition?