Sara P. Alvarez, Amy J. Wan, and Eunjeong Lee examine how our upbringing influences our writing in their piece “Workin’ Languages: Who We Are Matters in Our Writing.” They argue that our individual identities, including our languages, cultures, and life experiences, are significant components of our writing styles. Writing is more than just putting words on paper; it’s a way for us to express who we are and how our individual identities influence the message we convey.
The writers argue in favor of accepting linguistic variety in the classroom and beyond. Academic writing all too frequently assumes that everyone will sound the same and use “standard” academic English. Students from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds have been restricted to this. They believe that whether it’s slang, a different language, or a combination of both, students ought to be encouraged to use their own languages and dialects in their work. This diversity is a strength that adds new viewpoints to the classroom, not a weakness.
This method is engaging because it honors the opinions of all students. Teachers encourage meaningful, real writing by letting students rely on their experiences. Individuals feel more connected to their writing when they are able to express themselves through their writing. In the end, the essay pushes us to consider writing as a place where our uniqueness can be embraced rather than as a one-size-fits-all activity. Ultimately, “Workin’ Languages” challenges us to consider how our languages and cultures help us become more capable and related writers.
Leave a Reply