Optimal Inclusion

The first reading by Lupyan relates to the pset that we did this week. Could we define a word universally? Can we define anything universally? What about something as simple as a triangle? Lupyan uses triangles to make the point that even if it is as super mathematical and scientific as a three-sided figure. I find it interesting that even though we find it difficult to agree on universal definitions of words, we are all still people with similar values.

Rickford changes the subject and speaks about the African American minority in the sociolinguistic field. I found it interesting to see how racism grows out of different things. Linguistics is very important to culture and I never thought about dialectal differences as an immense language barrier. Though SE and AAVE are both variants of English, the dialects make it much harder for AAVE speakers to get equal respect and opportunity. Rickford’s main point was that African Americans have done so much for sociolinguistics and sociolinguistics has done barely anything in return. AAVE speakers are treated as lesser people because representation of this speech has been negative. I think that Rickford has very good intentions and wants to create a more equal community. He is also doing it in the best way. Instead of attempting to phase out this vital part of a culture, he wants it to be taught as normal to elementary students. African American linguists can learn and become a part of the teaching community. They can teach Standard English to the children but retain their dialect and their culture. Is this the best way to normalize AAVE? I think that this is definitely one of the better options. Elementary school teachers will make their students familiar with the dialect. This could result in them growing older with no negative thoughts towards the AAVE dialect. Eventually, these people would be hiring others and not be phased by the now familiar dialect. The best way to bridge the gap is to make people more accepting. The hard part of this solution is the time it will take to get better. It is sad that the best way to get over racism and discrimination is through cultural changes that happen over time. I think, however, that this is the only option that does not force out people’s beliefs, languages, or way of life.