Blog Post 8- Letter to the Editor

(657-675-2305)

West London, London NP35 5AB, UK

lauraclark@dailymail.co.uk

15th October 2016

To: Laura Clark

Daily Mail Senior Editor

NP35 5AB

West London, London, UK

Dear Ms. Clark,

         I am writing to inquire about the article that was written on the 24th of Match 2014. The article "Twtr? It's majorly bad! Leading headteacher condemns 'text speak' for eroding schoolchildren's language skills" explaining how protecting Standard English from the influence of text speak and social media slang, being one of the most challenging areas teachers and headmistresses have to correct. If children were to continue using social media as well as text messaging in their free time, they are more likely in "danger growing up with limited vocabularies".

       Have you ever considered the fact that the children already understand that they shouldn't use text speak in their assessments? Even though they do use text speak, it is only 10% of their written messages that use abbreviations. Yes, these abbreviations may occur in the assessments although the children do understand themselves not to use it in their assessments as "[they'll] get less marks"(David Crystel) I do agree with the fact that children do spend most of their free time on social media although I disagree with the statement that "GSCE and A-level... students.. are becoming careless in their use of it." as I believe that as stated before many of the students understand that consequences of using text speak in their assessments. Meaning that when abbreviations like "innit" or "gr8" are used when they use social media or texting as a way to communicate quickly or to be 'cool', they are not intentionally using them throughout their school work. But we both know that it is unintentionally used in assessments, and it does not mean that they are limited to vocabularies. Yes, many children these days use their free time on social media and text messaging others but you don't think that we do the same? Not all children spend their time on social media, there are in fact some children who enjoy reading and use their free time to read an interesting book.

      "Facts are facts"[1] yes, children in many schools do occasionally miswrite words in abbreviations but you have to consider that fact that these children do know that these abbreviations are not meant to be used in GSCE's or any assessments. We have to keep into consideration that this generation is not the only generation that is using text speak, adults are also using text speak when communicating. You also know that text speak wouldn't be used within the standard English in newsletters or formal emails etc. It just so happens that unfortunately, they do occasionally use their text speak in essays but that displays that the children are not proofreading their essays before handing them in.

Sincerely,

Jessica Hilu

Work Cited Page:

[1] "Letter to the Editor." YALE ALUMNI MAGAZINE. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016

"Letter to the Editor Examples." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

Blog Post 6 - Practical Consolidation of Language and Identity

 Jessica H

City, State 12345

Jessica H, City, State 12345

Student

City State 12345

October 1st,  2016

To the parents of Harriette Moore,

Let me begin by saying that your daughter has been accepted as part of the Grade 11 community here at Raha. I am writing to inform you that Harriette will contribute to a diverse community with many students from different cultures that speak different languages. Some students are multilingual or bilingual although there is no reason for Harriette to be concerned or nervous. We have heard that you are concerned with the diversity of culture and language, as Harriette has been brought up in a homogenous monolingual community. I am happy to say that there is need to worry as there are many students within her grade level who have gone through the same phase as Harriette and are looking forward to making Harriette fit right into the community with ease.

As for your own comfort, I would like to give you an insight of what your daughter will be apart of throughout her days here at Raha. As you may know already, Language is the centre of a culture, of which defines one's identity, and Harriette is one of many students who has been brought up in a homogeneous monolingual setting. It may be a different environment than what she has been settled in, in the past although Harriette will be able to express her cultural identity with others and even vice-versa. As Raha has over 75 different nationalities, there are many students even in her grade level that she may have a cultural bond with, meaning that she will feel more comfortable and have a sense of belonging in her own cultural environment.

Language, culture, and identity have an important relationship with each other as "Language is fundamental to cultural identity"(1). Without a language, one's culture isn't fully expressed and cannot be transmitted down from generation to generation. On the other hand without culture, a language cannot be presented. Meaning that the relationship between culture and language is that they rely on each other to fully function as one setting. Language builds up culture, Culture builds up a language. Cultural and Linguistic systems do in fact shape an individual as in this case, Harriette was brought up in a cultural and linguistic setting that evolved her to be the woman she is today. She may have personal traits of her own that may have been influenced by her culture and where she was brought up. This is what makes her unique in a way and specifically, it allows her to be a representation of her cultural heritage.  Same for many students, they are all brought up in their own cultural heritage and are always sharing their background and what makes them different, what similarities they may have. This may not just mean their personalities but it can mean the language they speak, what their cultures have in common. I believe that this will allow Harriette to express herself to the community and enhance her confidence to speak out and settle in into her new setting.

I hope that this has given you more awareness of what Harriette will look forward to in her new environment. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to email me.

Yours Sincerely,

Jessica Hilu

Work Cited Page:

1) "Racismnoway." The Importance of Culture, Language and Identity. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2016.

2) "Exploring the Relationship between Language, Culture and Identity." Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2016.

3) https://images.template.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/07045642/Format-of-Formal-Letter-to-the-Comany-Word-Download.jpg