Outcomes of learning the Language of Power
It is important to teach children the language of power in a country because how else will they be able to move up in the country. In my own experience I have had friends that were not native English speakers and it was easy to see some of their personal struggles. One friend was working a fast food job that she hated, with a man who would harass her in her own language, but because she lacked English skills she had trouble reporting it to management. Even after living in Oregon for 8 years she is unable to get a different job because of her communication skills. On the other hand I have another friend who was rigorously training in English after her immigration and she has gone to college, held several jobs in many fields and is becoming a successful young women. Both of these women are kind and intelligent people. The difference between them is their grasp of the language of power.
posted by Laura @ 9:34 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
These contrasts are everywhere. Many bright people struggle with communication. A mastery of the language of power allows any person to navigate destructive sterotypes.
I see the benefits of learning the language of power all the time in the writing center. Students who have learned the language experience an easier track to success more often in their classes and post college lives than those who do not have a firm foundation of this language.
I like how you compare these two women and share the fact that there are definite struggles with the lack of the "language of power". If she were to master the language, she could broaden her horizons tremendously and really realize her potential. It is unfair that language barriers can be so restrictive in our society.
I would be interested to find out when these two women immigrated to America and whether or not that has had any bearing on learning the language. I think that people who come into this country (or any country where another language is spoken) without a knowledge of English and without a way for them to effectively learn the language are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to succeeding. What are your thoughts on making English the "national language" in America?
I agree with what LaceyT said. It's interesting to see two different levels contrasted like this. It's also rather depressing. It makes me wonder what can be done for those already through the school system to grasp the language of power.
There are people who get stuck. But there are also people trying to do something on their own. I work at the public library and one time a Spanish -speaking man came up to me and asked me if I knew a little Spanish. (I did.) He was looking for a book on English grammar and was hoping to learn the language better through knowing grammar. I thought it was really encouraging to see someone trying to teach themselves the best they could with what they had.
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