Baldwin’s argument is the sole fact that even though languages can sound similar, the context behind the words is as different as it gets. This is due to the fact a language can seem universal, however it does indeed affect the different areas it is spoken in which essentially leads people to perceive it differently than others. For example, slang within a certain language would not be understood by someone who also speaks the same language but lives elsewhere, which means that sometimes geographic barriers can play a role in perceiving it differently. Baldwin makes his argument credible when he states “A language comes into existence by means of brutal necessity, and the rules of language are dictated by what that language must say.” This quote brings me back to my point about geographic barriers within a language. For instance, here in New York City, we tend to use the word “dead” a lot when we’re talking about something serious. This word in context would be “Your mom is dead outside”, which basically means “Your mom is outside, i’m not kidding”. However, if someone from Europe or elsewhere were to hear that, they would perceive it as someone actually being dead. Baldwin’s argument also connects to Belmihoub and Corcoran’s ideas of translanguaging because they both talk about how language isn’t just about how and what we speak, it also affects how we as people act and behave. They both also talk about how you have to properly understand the meanings and uses in order to utilize the language in a proper way. If you only understand the pronunciation without its context, it could lead to misuse of the language. Gloria Anzaldua is a writer that we have read so far that touched on the terms translanguaging and idiolect when she mentioned how languages can be perceived differently in different countries. She provided an example when she mentioned the difference in how Spanish was spoken in the United States as opposed to Mexico.
A piece of advice on responding to student work in Straub’s essay that is new and helpful to me is to always give the writer genuine feedback. You don’t necessarily have to point out everything that’s wrong with their work, but you should give them honest feedback that they can use to build their writing on. It’s good to start off with telling them something good that they did in their writing, however, it should be accompanied by clear advice on how they can improve. Also giving them suggestions or even questions is good feedback, so that the writer has something to lean on when they feel stuck while writing.
One thought on “Nishmitha Rodrigo Week 4 Reading Responses”
I agree with your idea that language can seem universal but people accustom it based on their environment. What may be one thing to a group of people, can be totally different to another group.
I agree with your idea that language can seem universal but people accustom it based on their environment. What may be one thing to a group of people, can be totally different to another group.