Job Discussion Forums

[thelmadatter]

Because my classroom English is standard English, which is not always appropriate in my private life.

Here's how I see it. I grew up in a very working-class NJ (Jersey City) family and we (along with many others) have a distinct way of using the English language. Think the Sopranos with fewer "f-words" To use standard English with my friends and family would be looked upon as "snobbish" as if I am too good for them. However, my family is proud that my generation is quite capable of using standard English because we were the first generation to go to college.

There are quite a number of pronunciation differences, vocabulary and other idiocyncracies that serve as a bond among "New Yorkers" (those from the NYC area) but do not work outside that area. While TV shows like Seinfeld and Law and Order have made a number of these more common knowledge in other parts, I really cannot express myself in that way freely except with other New Yorkers; it is often not understood and/or is misinterpreted. And when I meet other New Yorkers outside of the NYC area, we immediately start using it, sometimes in an exaggerated way to express comaraderie

I consider myself bi-dialectal. There have been number of studies showing how people change dialect use. The standard dialect has "overt prestige" and non-standard dialects have what is called "covert prestige". In other words, to use the standard in certain situations for me would lead to a sort of non-acceptance, much like the use of non-standard English can lead to rejection in situations where it is expected (school, business, cross-cultural communication etc). While I believe everyone does this to an extent, those of us with distinct dialects stand out more. Many studies involving covert prestige have to do with African-American Vernacular English (Black English), for example.

Sorry for the long-winded response... I feel like a professor!!!

[NoSoyJaime]

Yeah, I think most people adjust the language they use according to the setting they find themselves in. It's only natural.

As for the dude who was hating on Wouter, here are 3 suggested New Year's Resolutions: 1) learn Dutch, 2) learn some manners, 3) relax.

Happy New Year hijos de la chingaaaaada!