Monday, May 11, 2009

Anne's Precise for May 11th

Gee brings up social situations throughout her text. Indeed, she argues that, language that one utilizes should be appropriate within their given social setting. Thus, Gee defines what literacy studies ought to encompass. Along the same lines, if one is to identify what language is, it is not so much grammar as it is, how one uses the grammar in a particular social setting. Since language is often coupled with grammar, it is relevant to come up with a new term-"social practices." Furthermore, to couple social practices with a new word all together that identifies what people who study literacy do to determine whether people are literate, we have "Dialect"(526). Gee stresses that "Discourse" is significant because it is defined as how one contextually uses language.
How one attains a "Discourse" has to do with linguistics, which is defined by Gee to be, a "body of knowledge"(527). Lingusitics strech from how one learns their native tongue to all settings involving language, that are contrary to institutionalized instruction. Gee ascertains that anyone is capable of acquiring linguistics; i.e, acquiring linguistics from family members, social circle, etc. However, not everyone can be a linguist. For instance, one must know how to act, think, value and talk in social settings where it is difficult to have the where-with-all in which to do so, if one lacks the familiarity of the institution. Extending "Discourse" to incorporate women and minorities, one comes to find out that they have the disadvantage. Case in point, Gee argues that to attain a Discourse, one must often be involved with it and put aside any values, etc. that one has accumulated in their home. Gee goes on to define a few more terms such as, "sympathetic fallacy," this term pertains to nature. For instance one may tell a story, such as the 5-year-old did in Gee's work, then they will incorporate nature into their story. The incorporating is relevant because, it coincides at the same time as particular events. To take something away from Gee's work, she ascertains that literacy is accumulated from one's home setting.
Typically, one accumulates an ability to be successful in discourse environments, other than their home, this is determined by their status. Indeed, if one goes into a church, institution, etc. and carries on well, in conversation with those around them, it is because of the events that have taken place in their home. Gee's text and arguments fit in perfectly with how one acquires their language. One first acquires their language based on adult interaction. Hence, one is able to act, speak, value, think well based upon an influx of both their home-based, and schooling environments.

1 comment:

  1. I have to say I love that you assume that Gee is female and also that Street is. But, just a heads up -- both are men.

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