Other People's English: Code-Meshing, Code-Switching, and African American Literacy

AUTHORS: Vershawn Ashanti Young, Rusty Barrett, Y'Shanda Young-Rivera, and Kim Brian Lovejoy. SERIES: Working and Writing for Change edited by Steve Parks. With a new Foreword by April Baker-Bell and a new Preface by Vershawn Ashanti Young and Y'Shanda Young-Rivera, Other People's English: Code-Meshing, Code-Switching, and African American Literacy presents an empirically grounded argument for a new approach to teaching writing to diverse students in the English language arts classroom. Responding to advocates of the "code-switching" approach, four uniquely qualified authors make the case for "code-meshing"--allowing students to use standard English, African American English, and other Englishes in formal academic writing and classroom discussions. This practical resource translates theory into a concrete road map for pre- and inservice teachers who wish to use code-meshing in the classroom to extend students' abilities as writers and thinkers and to foster inclusiveness and creativity. The text provides activities and examples from middle and high school as well as college and addresses the question of how to advocate for code-meshing with skeptical administrators, parents, and students. Other People's English provides a rationale for the social and educational value of code-meshing, including answers to frequently asked questions about language variation. It also includes teaching tips and action plans for professional development workshops that address cultural prejudices.

Author: Vershawn Ashanti Young, Rusty Barrett, Y'Shanda Young-Rivera
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Parlor Press
Published: 11/21/2018
Series: Working and Writing for Change
Pages: 202
Weight: 0.67lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9781643170435
Revised and Upd Edition