The views of proponents and opponents of the language deficit theory--the theory that nonstandard dialect is a deficient form of language--are presented in this paper. Following a description of the work of Basil Bernstein, a British educator who is considered the key figure among proponents of the theory, the paper presents an overview of the…

Discusses how the socioeconomic "caste system" operates to differentiate education, and addresses questions concerning the definition of mainstream competence and the labeling of students as unfit or incompetent. Discusses the shortcomings of the three solutions for language incompetence. (HTH)

This critical analysis of the usage of Black English in the classroom suggests that a change in teacher attitudes toward Black English will increase student ability and desire to learn standard English. (DA)

IN CONNECTION WITH RESEARCH INTO THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STANDARD ENGLISH AND THE NONSTANDARD DIALECTS OF THE URBAN GHETTOS, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN THE RELATIVE DEPTH OR ABSTRACTNESS OF THE UNCONSCIOUS GRAMMATICAL RULES. IN MEMORY OR "SHADOW" TESTS, GROUPS OF NEGRO BOYS FROM 10 TO 14 YEARS OLD WERE HIGHLY MOTIVATED TO…

Ethnographic examination of the English-dominant culture in the United States and how Hispanics are affected. Through several vignettes, reveals that the civil rights of Hispanics are violated because of cultural differences. (DA)

The reading difficulty that black children encounter is not a result of language differences but rather a consequence of living in a society where people are socialized to view blacks as inferior and less able. Teachers are not immune to these attitudes. In addition to societal views, teachers are also influenced by social science research which…

The sociolinguistic research described here was carried out in connection with the bilingual education program for Navajo children by Consultants in Teaching English (CITE) for the Navajo Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. CITE's first curriculum objective is to encourage children to learn to use three distinct media: the Navajo language; the…

Four presentations were given at a workshop conducted to consider ways in which outdoor education activities could be utilized in the teaching of language skills to migrant children. Dr. William B. Stapp, University of Michigan, discusses the need for and major objectives of environmental education, and suggests points to consider in relation to…

Results of interviews with 13 British teachers of children with speech and/or language difficulties are summarized to illustrate teacher views on the National Curriculum, including appreciation of the oral emphasis; too broad definitions for speaking and listening; and concerns about assessment of children's attainments, which too often reflects…

Intended for parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists, and others within the child's "communication environment," this booklet contains suggestions and illustrations for improving children's listening and speech skills. In addition, it presents basic information related to normal communication development, as well as information about…

Asks Mrs. Seymour, a former teacher currently working as an editorial specialist in linguistics for an educational publisher, to comment on the standard/nonstandard dialect controversy as it relates to beginning reading instruction. (VJ)

Research is reported on the degree to which the speaker characteristics of children can be related to the attitudes of teachers, in the absence, and in the presence of additional visual information about the speaker. (JM)

Much of the debate surrounding strategies of what is now regarded as "compensatory" language education is focused on whether is advisable, or possible, to attempt to alter the student's idiolect--the language he brings to school. Examines the effect of policies designed to superimpose the patterns of the standard dialect on non-standard speaking…

Some of the consequences of not incorporating Ebonics into educational programs for Black children are discussed. (Author/MC)