Students' Right to Language

Drew Andersen
9/16/15
Prof. Young
ENGW 1100

Students' Right to Their Own Language

          After reading the resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the Conference on College Composition and Communication I was able to recognize the concerns with students and their right to language. Should students have the right to use their own language in writing? Of course there are two sides to this concern, siding with and opposing this right. In the committee's solution they state "We affirm the students' right to their own patterns and varieties of language- the dialects of their nurture or whatever dialects in which they find their own identity and style." This statement is saying that no student must stray away from their native tongue, and they must not change their identity.

Spanish speaking student in an American school.      

          The committee also speaks about how any one dialect being unacceptable amounts to an attempt of one social group exerting some sort of dominance over another. I believe this statement happens to be true, by presenting another dialect as inferior to another will weaken the identity of those people. The committee makes another good point when they say "A nation proud of its diverse heritage and its cultural and racial variety will preserve its heritage of dialects." This country is known for its diversity among citizens, this is important to keep all dialects respected. They have made it a strong point that teachers must have the experiences and training to be able to uphold the students' right to their own language.

         I believe the students' right to their own language in writing is different to a certain extent. Although I do believe students should be able to write in their own style or "slang", I also believe it can be inappropriate at times.Students should not be disrespectful in their writing, for example it is inappropriate to curse in their writing. Their style should be used to express their style and ideas in another way.