[...] The transcript above represents two children having a minor argument before school. We can
immediately see that the children have used their local Teeside accent and dialect. Of course, we can
all understand the language used by the children in this context. But do we judge them and assume
they are receiving a poor education simply because their pronunciation is different to the version
that the Queen, politicians and national newsreaders use? Can we assume they are receiving a poor
education from the fact that both children responded to their mother with “nowt” as opposed to
“nothing?”
Table of Contents
1. Language plea by Sacred Heart Primary School: Have they undervalued the concept of context?
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the controversy surrounding the Headteacher of Sacred Heart Primary School, who attempted to enforce Standard English by labeling local Teeside dialect and pronunciation as "incorrect." The analysis focuses on the importance of linguistic context and the potential negative impacts of prescriptive language policies on children's self-esteem and academic development.
- The role of linguistic prescriptivism in educational settings
- The distinction between Standard English and regional dialects
- The significance of context and code-switching in communication
- Sociolinguistic perspectives on regional accent and identity
- The potential educational risks of stigmatizing non-standard language
Excerpt from the Book
Language plea by Sacred Heart Primary School: Have they undervalued the concept of context?
The transcript above represents two children having a minor argument before school. We can immediately see that the children have used their local Teeside accent and dialect. Of course, we can all understand the language used by the children in this context. But do we judge them and assume they are receiving a poor education simply because their pronunciation is different to the version that the Queen, politicians and national newsreaders use? Can we assume they are receiving a poor education from the fact that both children responded to their mother with “nowt” as opposed to “nothing?”
I have used Teeside pronunciation and language choices here as an example but I could have chosen any local accent and their variety of language (dialect). Language choices vary from area to area, as do the accents and that is what makes language beautiful. It would be boring if everybody spoke in exactly the same way and the fact that one’s identity can be revealed simply by the way they speak is a good thing in the eyes of many.
Maybe not according to Mrs Walker who is the Headteacher of Sacred Heart Primary School in Middlesbrough. As some may or may not be aware, it emerged recently that Mrs Walker had sent a letter home to the parents of the children in her school, which encouraged parents to enforce a standardized version of pronunciation and grammar on their children. She included a list of some “incorrect” phrases and pronunciation forms that she wanted the children to avoid using in future and appealed to the parents to help her ‘correct’ their language to ensure they are not disadvantaged later on in life.
Summary of Chapters
Language plea by Sacred Heart Primary School: Have they undervalued the concept of context?: This section introduces the controversy regarding the attempt to ban specific Teeside dialect features and examines the sociolinguistic debate between prescriptivist educational demands and the functional importance of context in language use.
Keywords
Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Standard English, Teeside, Dialect, Accent, Prescriptivism, Context, Code-switching, Education, Communication, Identity, Language Policy, Academic Progress, Child Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the debate surrounding a Headteacher's attempt to enforce Standard English and eliminate regional Teeside dialect forms in her school, questioning the pedagogical validity of labeling local language as "incorrect."
What are the central themes discussed?
The key themes include the tension between linguistic prescriptivism and descriptivism, the importance of code-switching, the role of context in communication, and the potential psychological impact of language-shaming on students.
What is the main argument regarding language use?
The author argues that while Standard English is important for formal settings, regional dialects serve a valid and meaningful purpose in informal contexts, and stigmatizing them can be counterproductive to a child's education.
Which linguistic concepts are central to the analysis?
The paper highlights the concepts of "code-switching" (the ability to adapt language to different environments) and "context" as essential tools that should be taught rather than forcing a total rejection of regional identity.
What is the author's stance on Standard English?
The author acknowledges the necessity of Standard English for academic and professional success but disputes the method of enforcing it by denigrating the home dialect, which risks alienating children.
Which experts are cited in the text?
The paper references Dr. Simon Gibbons from NATE and Professor Paul Kerswill, a sociolinguistics expert from the University of York, both of whom critique the school's approach.
Why does the author consider Mrs. Walker’s letter problematic?
The letter is considered problematic because it labels native dialect features as "incorrect," which the author views as an act of linguistic prescriptivism that ignores the fact that different contexts require different language registers.
How does the paper propose children should learn language?
Instead of rigid enforcement, the author suggests using role-play and educational strategies that help children understand when it is appropriate to use Standard English versus their local dialect.
What is the "dialect of power" mentioned in the text?
The text refers to Standard English as the "dialect of power," noting that children need to master it for employment and academic advancement, even if it is not necessary for all interactions.
What is the takeaway regarding "correct" language?
The paper concludes that no language is inherently wrong if it fulfills its communicative purpose, and the emphasis should be on teaching context-appropriateness rather than enforcing a singular standard at the expense of regional identity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kylie Mitchell (Autor:in), 2013, Language plea by Sacred Heart Primary School: Have they undervalued the concept of context?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/209704
