Most may have their idea on what should and shouldn’t be involved in teaching in a classroom. But language differences should be emphasized within the classroom where both standard English and acceptance of other dialects are embraced because by embracing both standard English and other dialects, teachers can be able to create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment. Also, this can help students feel valued and respected, which can lead to improved motivation and engagement in the classroom. When students feel embraced outside of a home setting, they feel comfortable enough to show their full potential.
We have all seen all the chaos that happens when we feel that we aren’t accepted in a setting that isn’t our home. We all want to feel respected when it comes to the background we come from and the language we feel comfortable embracing. When you experience any type of bullying due to the language you use, it prevents you from feeling comfortable again to show others the real you, which can cause trauma. A balance should be struck between valuing and accepting different language backgrounds and dialects, while also teaching standard English. In the Ted Talk “Why I Keep Speaking Up, Even When People Mock My Accent” by Safwat Saleem, he stated, “But comments like that kept coming in, so I figured I should just ignore them and start working on the second part of the video. I recorded my audio, but every time I sat down to edit, I just could not do it. Every single time, it would take me back to my childhood, when I had a much harder time speaking.” My initial reaction to this quote was thinking about how difficult it was for Saleem to show his true self without holding back because of others’ opinions. He ignored the initial hateful comments but after having multiple people publicly shame his accent his past insecurities were brought up again. Mocking or teasing someone because of the way they speak can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and insecurity, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Furthermore, when someone is bullied based on their accent, it can also affect their ability to communicate effectively and confidently, especially in an academic and professional settings where clear and articulate speech is often valued. This can limit their opportunities for success and hinder their personal and academic growth in classrooms and at home. Saleem also stated in his speech, “I’ve stuttered for as long as I can remember. I was the kid in class who would never raise his hand when he had a question — or knew the answer… And I hated introducing myself, especially in groups. I’d always stutter on my name, and there was usually someone who’d go, “Have you forgotten your name?” And then everybody would laugh. That joke never got old.” We can say that Saleem didn’t feel the comfort/support he needed to speak up in class or just be able to create bonds with his classmates. It’s important to recognize and respect that everyone has the right to express themselves in their way, and that different accents and dialects are not a reflection of intelligence or worth. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted, we can help to reduce the negative effects of accent-based bullying and promote a positive community.
Embracing language diversity in the classroom can positively impact student motivation and engagement. When students feel that their linguistic background is respected and valued, they
Ted Talk Speaker of “Why English Class Is Silencing Student of Color”
are more likely to feel a sense of belonging in the classroom and be more motivated to participate and engage in their learning. In the Ted talk “Why English Class Is Silencing Students Of Color” By Jamila Lyiscott, she said, “when I was 19 years old I sat on a panel for a roomful of high school students and a woman in the room stopped me in the middle of speaking and she said I’m sorry to stop you but I just want you to know that you are so articulate and in that moment she meant it as a compliment a friend of mine next to me was like boo and I was offended and most people can understand that most people say well you are offended because you’re a young black woman in the space and this woman found it exceptional that youwere mastering standard English but there’s another reason why I was offended I imagined if this woman heard me speaking with my family whose Trinidadian and Caribbean creolized English would she have determined something else about my intellectual capacity.” At times others may think they’re complimenting you, but they don’t think about the way you can react to this statement. The teacher didn’t have a mean intention with this “compliment,” but she also didn’t realize this wasn’t a compliment to others. While compliments from teachers are often meant to be positive and encouraging, they can sometimes have the opposite effect and impact a student the wrong way. It’s important for teachers to be mindful of the language they use when complimenting students, and to make sure that their compliments are genuine, appropriate, and well- received.
When students feel embraced and supported in a learning environment, they are more likely to feel comfortable and confident in expressing themselves and highlighting their full potential. A positive and inclusive atmosphere can help students feel valued and respected, which can in turn enhance their motivation and engagement in the learning process. When students feel embraced and supported, they are more likely to participate actively in class, ask questions, seek help when needed, and build strong relationships with their teachers and peers. These factors can contribute to a more positive and productive learning experience, leading to better academic outcomes. We can say Saleem was missing this support while in school. Additionally, students who feel embraced and supported are more likely to build strong relationships with their teachers and peers, which can enhance their overall school experience. Overall, when students feel embraced and supported, they are better equipped to reach their full potential and achieve better academic outcomes.
In conclusion, we can say that it is important to display different languages and embrace them into standard English. When students feel embraced and supported, they are better equipped to reach their full potential and achieve better academic outcomes, which can have a positive impact on their future academic and career pursuits. Being repeatedly subjected to bullying on how you speak or the language you’re comfortable speaking can cause a person to develop low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, which can lead to difficulties in expressing themselves and speaking confidently. This can also result in a person avoiding social situations or being reluctant to speak up, even when they have something valuable to contribute. However, in all cases, it is crucial to seek support and help to overcome the negative impact of bullying on one’s speech and overall well-being.
Citations:
1. Why English Class is Silencing Students of Color. (2018). Jamila Lyisoctt: Why English Class is Silencing Students of Color | Ted Talk. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4dc1axRwE4.
2. Why I Keep Speaking Up, Even When People Mock My Accent. (2016). Safwat Saleem: Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent | TED Talk. Retrieved February 13, 2023, fromhttps://www.ted.com/talks/safwat_saleem_why_i_keep_speaking_up_even_when_people_mo ck_my_accent/transcript?language=en
Need help with the Commons?
Email us at [email protected] so we can respond to your questions and requests. Please email from your CUNY email address if possible. Or visit our help site for more information:
