Should dialects be taught in schools?

Abstract: It is argued that learning is better and more successful when conducted in the variety spoken by students. ‘ Besides, the use of students’ native dialect in education enhances the social, cognitive, emotional and linguistic development of learners’ in and out of school.

What does dialect mean in school?

Introduction. Dialect differences are one of the most interesting features of language, but also one of the most controversial, particularly in schools. Dialects are varieties of a language that contrast in pronunciation, grammatical patterns, and vocabulary and that are associated with geographic area and social class …

What are the challenges of learning standard English in schools with speakers of non standard dialects?

The strongest reasons adduced for failure in the teaching of standard English to nonstandard speakers are: (1) the speakers do not perceive standard English as relevant to their social needs; (2) the simulated social situations that might be used in some teaching programs in school are not real situations and cannot be …

How does dialect affect learning?

So children who grow up speaking a dialect encounter a higher level of complexity when learning to read and write because of a linguistic mismatch between their speech and the standard written language. This mismatch may occur at the level of phonology, vocabulary or even sentence structure.

What is the purpose of dialects?

The term dialect involves the spelling, sounds, grammar and pronunciation used by a particular group of people and it distinguishes them from other people around them. Dialect is a very powerful and common way of characterization, which elaborates the geographic and social background of any character.

How does dialect affect language?

Dialects vary by region and by social group. Dialect diversity, or language variation, reflects the fact that languages change over time and that people who live in the same area or maintain the same social identity share language norms; in other words, they speak the same dialect.

Why is dialect important?

Language and dialects preserve the unique cultural elements of a given place. Individual dialects may divide people even further. However, dialects express the unique qualities of a particular region. Dialects are important for international business and the overall well-being of our world.

What is the importance of dialects?

In addition, different locales have their own languages and, often, their own dialects. Language and dialects preserve the unique cultural elements of a given place. As people travel more frequently, they exchange goods and ideas. Thus, the blending of cultures has become easier and more commonplace.

Why is dialect important in literature?

Writers often use dialects to paint an authentic portrait of the location or time period about which they are writing. The dialect in literature is used to determine the status of the individuals. Dialect is a helpful tool that an author may use in order to make his/her characters well-rounded.

Do you think the dialect and language we speak affects the way we think or why not?

The language we speak influences many different things. It can impact the way that we think about time, space, and even colors! People who speak different languages focus on different things, depending on the words or sentence structure available to them. It influences our thought process and our feelings.

Why are dialects important?

What are some advantages of speaking with a dialect?

The dialect has some advantages, such as being a faster way to express some sentences. Also, in the dialect, we do not use letters which are difficult to pronounce. We also do not use any rules of grammar in our conversations, so we don’t have to watch out for grammar things.

How do students understand the world through their dialects?

Students understand the world through their dialect. Much like it is for everyone else, language acts as a mediator for students to understand their surroundings. Because students interact with their environment through there own dialect, it is important to emphasize the role of their own language in their lives.

Is it important to educate students in a standard English dialect?

Although it is important to educate our students in a standard English dialect, the schooling system should not ignore the language skills and dialects that students posses when entering the classroom. Students understand the world through their dialect.

What is the American dialect of English?

American dialect. The language spoken in schools, media outlets and the government, tends to be what is referred to as “Standard English”. “Standard English” tends to attempt to rid language of regionalisms and accents, both in spoken and written language.

How does Standard English affect the prestige of different dialects?

However, the use of standard English in the media, schools and government along with upper and middle-class societies, allows dialects that speak language closest to standard English to gain overt prestige over other dialects. Overt prestige is when one dialect gains an advantage over another dialect because it is language of the majority.