Demo Discussion 8.1

8.1 | Exploring the Relationship Between Language and Identity

Introduction

In this discussion, we will examine the relationship between language and identity through Dr. Jamila Lysicott's spoken-word essay 3 Ways to Speak English. In this short piece, Dr. Lyiscott reflects on the three distinct forms of English she uses with different audiences — friends, family, and in the classroom — highlighting how each form is tied to her identity and culture. As she explores the complicated history and present-day identity that each language represents, she unpacks what it means to be 'articulate.'

Discussion icon Discussion

Respond to the prompt by 11:59pm Thursday

1. Watch Dr. Jamila Lyiscott's recitation of 3 ways to speak English Links to an external site. video. As you watch, think about what Dr. Lyiscott is saying about the relationships among the different forms of English she speaks, her identity, and her culture. 

  • What from the video and added, challenged, and/or affirmed your understanding of English and its different forms?  
  • What implications does your takeway, learning, or affirmation have for how we work with our own bilingual/multilingual students and the varieties of language that they use and speak? 

2. Post here what you feel is particularly important to take away or what resonated with you from the video and the reading. Please feel free to address the questions posed above. 

 

Respond to your classmates by 11:59pm Sunday

3. Respond thoughtfully to at least two of your classmates' posts.

MEETING OPTIONS:

Remember that you have 2 options for your small group discussion.

OPTION A: Each member of your group will post to their small group discussion board. (You will see only your small group's discussion board.) Then, you will all discuss each other's questions, insights, ahas. 

OR 

OPTION B: Each member of your group will post their insight, takeaway, question, etc. to their small group discussion board. BUT meet up either in person or online (Zoom Help) to discuss your posts. You must record your discussion and have one member of your group post the recording here. [If you have another conferencing tool that you prefer to use, please feel free to do so, as long as you can record the discussion.] 

In case you need it, here's how to create a transcript:

Criteria for Evaluation

This discussion will be marked complete when:

    • You post a complete response to the prompt by Thursday, 11:59pm.
    • You thoughtfully engage with at least two of your classmates' posts by Sunday, 11:59pm.