Debates about SE today Flashcards
(15 cards)
Who is Ian Cushing?
A lecturer in education at Brunel Uni
What does Cushing argue?
He arugues against the policing and correction of non-standard spoken grammar within schools
Why is Cushing against correction of non standard varieties?
It is a punitive and discriminatory language policy
What does Cushing believe about Standard English?
We should understand language as a social phenomenon that is used to get things done in social situations
Why is Cushing’s view about SE important?
Because no variety is better or worse compared to other varieties, language choices are concerned with appropritateness and not correctness
Why is SE seen as an institutional norm?
It is usually seen as the reference point against other varieties in comparison
In what contexts is SE typically used in?
Law, media and business
How can SE be viewed as inclusive?
It can be spoken in any accent: RP, Geordie, Lancashire….
Is Cushing against the Ban of NSE?
Yes, he is dismayed by schools “blanket-banning” non-standard forms
Should SE not be taught due to its implications?
No because the language we use has implications for how we’re judged
Why should we know how to use SE?
Because it is considered to be prestigious and the educated form of language
What should students be aware of when learning SE?
The connotations and false prejudices surrounding it
What are the 3 principles about SE?
- Don’t treat NSE as ungrammatical
- Focus on appropriateness of SE
- Treat SE critically
Overall what does Cushing emphasise about the teaching of SE
It should be taught but it should be an addition to our language and not a replacement as our identity is important
Which other linguist does Cushing link to with his beliefs about standard English?
Lindsay Johns
