Start Date
April 2025
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
This research seeks to measure the extent to which non-standard forms of English are used in college classrooms today, with the goal of decentering the use of Standard English in education. I did this by surveying both college students and professors at Xavier University in three categories: identity, language background, and academic or teaching experience related to varieties of English. My research is inspired by Students’ Right to their own Language (STROL) and World Englishes, both of which are underpinned by the idea that language is innately political and that by limiting the acceptable means of communication within academia, institutions also limit the perspectives accepted there. By encouraging the use of non-Standard English in the classroom, students will see their own voice reflected in their education, schools will foster linguistic diversity, and academic prose will encompass many diverse language traditions.
Wanna Talk How I’m Gunna: Measuring the Integration of Non-Standard English in College Classes
2nd floor - Library
This research seeks to measure the extent to which non-standard forms of English are used in college classrooms today, with the goal of decentering the use of Standard English in education. I did this by surveying both college students and professors at Xavier University in three categories: identity, language background, and academic or teaching experience related to varieties of English. My research is inspired by Students’ Right to their own Language (STROL) and World Englishes, both of which are underpinned by the idea that language is innately political and that by limiting the acceptable means of communication within academia, institutions also limit the perspectives accepted there. By encouraging the use of non-Standard English in the classroom, students will see their own voice reflected in their education, schools will foster linguistic diversity, and academic prose will encompass many diverse language traditions.
