How does language shape us?

The Question

How does language shape us? How do we learn it? Who is it meant for? How does language privilege some over others? How does language affect memory? How does language change over time?

We will discuss these questions and more over the course of the semester, both in class and on this blog. This site is a shared opportunity between two classes, where you will learn a little about language and you will learn a little about each other.

The Assignment

You are responsible for posting 24 reflective comments throughout the course of the semester that demonstrate critical thinking skills. Your comments may be on the post itself or on someone else's comment. All comments will be assessed on the full credit scale. Only planned, well-thought out, edited comments will receive full credit. Whenever you want to know how many comments I have recorded for you, I will respond to email inquiries only.

Please remember that this is not a forum for attacking - this is a forum for expansion and thought. There should be no derisive comments made at any point to your peers. Also, please keep in mind safe internet habits. Sign your posts with a first name and last initial and do not reveal personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, or bank information.

The News

NPR
BBC
MSNBC
The Arbiter
Idaho Statesman
Boise Weekly
Feminst Majority Foundation
Men's News Daily

The Archives

August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
November 2006
December 2006

The Extras

I am offering extra credit throughout the semester for anyone who notices language use outside of the class that relates to what we are discussing in class. This could be a film, a billboard, a conversation with a parent...anything that you can connect to our conversations. First, you will talk to me about it to discuss the direction you will take when you write it and what I expect before giving you extra credit. Then you will write up a two page explanation of the language use and how it relates to class (your write-up should contain far more analysis and connection to class than synopsis) and turn it in to me before finals week begins.

There is another chance for extra credit! Submit your letters to the editor to The Arbiter and bring me the edition of the paper that contains your letter. You will receive credit for one informal writing assignment.

PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE TO THE SYLLABUS: Your syllabus currently says that there will be class on November 16 but not on November 14. Please switch those dates. There WILL be class on November 14 and there WILL NOT be class on November 16. Anything currently listed as homework due on November 16 is now due on November 14.

There is a second change to the syllabus!
101 - We will meet Nov. 7 instead of Nov. 5. Your portfolio is now due Nov. 5.
102 - Your portfolio is now due during your group conference.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Remember the hit classic TV show Seinfeld? Well, Michael Richards, who played the quirky, off-the-wall neighbor Kramer, was in the news last week. After you read the article, make sure to watch the video - it's toward the end on the left. There's a second video there too - Richards' post-oops statement.

What do you think? Racist? Or just anger? And if you think it was just anger, do you think it was justified? Explain.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

What is a conversation about gender and language without a mention of communication in marriage? After reading this article, what are your thoughts on the subject? I'm leaving this forum quite open, because it's an interesting topic that I bet will generate plenty of conversation on its own.

Monday, November 27, 2006

After watching this video, I would like to hear your comments on the idea of the gender spectrum. I'd like to note that what this person says is not new - the theory of multiple genders and ambiguous genders has been around for some time and is hardly disputed among people who honestly consider the notion. Think about it: if you're a girl, do you enjoy sports? Have you ever appreciated a car for being a tremendous piece of machinery? Do you sometimes refuse to communicate openly or cry in front of others? If you're a boy, do you care that your clothes are ironed and look nice when you put them on? Do you like children? Do you put some sort of product into your hair in the morning? These are things we consider along the gender path, but don't usually think of ourselves as "mixed up" along gender lines.

If you decide you would like to comment on jessanastasia's blog, as he offers, click here.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Because we in America tend to think we're doing so well with gender equality since we were kind of the forerunners of the women's lib movement, here's a study to suggest that that may not exactly be the case. Do you think that's what it says?

And as a side note, because we have often talked about minorities' education levels and opportunities: Financial aid falls short for minority, low-income college students.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

OK, it's not very well done, but I can't help that. I found a humorous Woman's Guide to Men's Language that should amuse you at least a little. Consider, if you will, the differences between what we say and what we mean - and whether it's different for men and women.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

"This page deals with language and gender. This is different from "sexism" which is a form of prejudice. Discussing gender we appreciate that men and women use language differently; sexist language uses language as a weapon for separating men and women and most often as a means of diminishing women."

What are the differences between sexist language and gendered language? What instances of this do you think about in your own life?

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Since we've discussed viable internet sites, I want you to first investigate this website about the first pregnant human male and tell us what you think. Be sure to check out the sonogram and the videos of the subject doing things around town. Is this real? How do you know?

And next, I would like you to practice procreating. No, not like that. I found a site where you can make a baby and even select specific traits for your future child, ensuring that your child is not born with mental retardation or manic depressive disorder. Be careful! This is not a cheap process! Tell us about your experiences making a baby...What would it be like if we could actually sit down with a doctor and decide these things? Are some of the choices we can make for our babies (on this website) trivial? Or are they decisions that will actually shape the rest of the child's life? Sticks and stones may break my bones, but will being born with a personality disorder kill me? Is it just a label? How much should we worry about creating the perfect baby?

P.S. My baby cost just more than $116,000.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Here is another great site for you to explore this idea of gendered communication. I expect that you'll read at the minimum the front page; for more learning, use the links the page offers. I would like to hear how you see this topic - and specifically the things the author mentions - as relating to your life. This page is more theory-based, so it may be a little more difficult than other readings, but give it a solid, open-minded chance...It has the potential to open some doors and eyes if you allow it.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Explore the Ladies Room website and tell us what you find of interest. Use the links to gather some cool information on this subject of gender and language.

Monday, November 06, 2006

It's even coming up in local politics, although it doesn't sound like it's being brought up responsibly. I thought I would post this here since tomorrow is election day and all - with the reminder to go vote Tuesday. When you read this article, think about the implications of this argument on our local government. Is Grant right - is this just a diversion tactic on Sali's part? And towards the end, Sali says that "he's heard" that a six-week course will do the trick. That doesn't sound like hard facts or research to me.

Sali speaks out for English: Official language issue called a 'diversion'
BOISE, Sep. 13, 2006 (McClatchy-Tribune Business News delivered by Newstex) --
Congressional candidate Bill Sali called Tuesday for declaring English the official language of the United States, while his opponents dismissed the move as a "diversion" from real issues.

"Those who know English tend to land better jobs, earn more money, and have less dependence on government resources," Sali, a Republican, said at a press conference on the state Capitol steps. "With English as our official language, everyone will have an equal opportunity to rise up and improve their condition."

Sali said if elected to Idaho's open 1st District congressional seat, he'd sign as a co-sponsor of H.R. 997 by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, which would declare English the official language, require "official functions of the government to be conducted in English," and require all new citizens to pass English tests.

Sali, a longtime state lawmaker and former chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, said he hoped brochures and materials handed out for health and welfare programs wouldn't need to be offered in any language but English in the future.

"The first step is to teach people English," he said. "If this plays out correctly, we shouldn't have a need to distribute literature in other languages."

Sali said his ancestors learned English when they came to this country.

Candidate Larry Grant, a Democrat, said, "I think we have more important problems to solve in this country than this kind of thing. I think we need to be talking about how do we get control of spending, how do we get control of corruption, how to end the war in Iraq. This is a diversion so they don't have to talk about the real problems."

Grant, former vice president of Micron Technology (NYSE:MU) Corp., recalled growing up in Fruitland, Idaho, in an area with a substantial Japanese-American population.

"Half the grandparents couldn't speak English, and that didn't make them bad people, didn't make them bad Americans," he said.

Andy Hedden-Nicely, the United/Natural Law party candidate for the seat, said, "We'll be happy to respond, in English, to anything Bill says about the real issues in this race: Congressional term limits, health care coverage, high gas prices, decent wages, protecting our borders, improving our schools and the war in Iraq."

He added, "Bill's up to his usual trick of trying to bait the hook with red-meat, emotional issues while totally ignoring the fundamental challenges facing our country. He thinks he can win using the standard Republican rhetoric, but we know 1st District voters are concerned about things that really impact their lives."

Independent Dave Olson, of St. Maries, who also is running for the seat, couldn't be reached for comment, nor could Constitution Party candidate Paul Smith, of Letha.

Sali said he didn't know the details of how the congressional legislation would work, but picked the bill because he said it's getting widespread support. According to congressional records, the bill was introduced March 1, 2005, and referred to a House subcommittee a month later. It has 161 co-sponsors, including both Idaho GOP representatives, Mike Simpson and Butch Otter.

Sali said he's heard it takes only a six-week course to bring non-English speakers to a "conversational level."

"We're not talking about a huge commitment," he said. "We're just talking about a willingness to participate."

Grant chuckled at that. "I had a year and a half of French and I still can't speak French," he said.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

This is about a decade old, but the statements, thoughts and sentiments resemble some of what is still being said in America. How do these statements fit in with what we've been discussing thus far in the semester?