Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Language


Do you believe that a country should have a national official language? Does it depend on the country? What might the implications of such a government decision be? What are the practical effects in countries that already have such a policy in place? What would sticklers and snoots say about this possibility? Would they be more likely to support this decision for a national language or no?

DFW

Choose one of the following three question groups and respond in a post below.

1. Is DFW's "spiel" about SWE (Standard Written English) in schools "racially insensitive," as some of his colleagues/students argue? What is his response to this accusation? Do you agree?
2. Explain DFW's claim that PCE (Politically Correct English) is a form of censorship. Whom does it serve? Do you agree?
3. Explain DFW's claim that AE (Academic English) is driven by concealment and fear. What is being concealed? What is feared? Do you agree?