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Third Thread:
"I Am My Langauge."
Is Culture Obsolete?
McCarroll, J. E. (2004, Spring). I am my language. Psychiatry. 67 (1), 99-102.
For the last threaded discussion, James E. McCarroll reviews the book I Am My Language by Norma Gonzalez. How does this topic relate to the issue of Multicultural Education? Ms. Gonzalez believes that MCE "disunites" America because there is just as much diversity within each culture as there is between cultures. For that reason, MCE is unnecessary. I agree with her statement "that every interaction in a classroom both reflects and constructs a social order and that language can create the worlds that children inhabit" (McCarroll, 2004, 7), but I don't agree that MCE is unnecessary. Your classroom observation anecdotes point to the necessity of cultural sensitivity training for classroom teachers. If it has to be done under the auspices of multicultural education, then let's call it that and go with it.
Another point brought up in the article was Gonzalez's belief that the word "culture" has become obsolete because it is no longer applicable to describe our society. We also discussed how certain words in a language have an emotional connection and how that is important to us as educators.
The discussion has officially opened with the two Sara/Sarah's leading the way.
Freddie A. Bowles
tulipan@corndancer.com
POSTED Tue 7/27/04 9:56 PM
Thread posted by
Sara Stathakis
Gonzalez says, "Language lies at the heart of a person." She then states, "Language is linked to emotion and is essential to understanding the bilingual person." I agree with Ms. Gonzalez. I do believe that you must have an essential understanding of the language in order to truly understand the emotion that a bilingual person possesses. I have had experience with such a language barrier in my family. My great-grandmother, who immigrated to the United States from Greece, never learned to speak the English language fluently. As a child, I was taught Greek words; however, I never became fluent in the language. When speaking with my great-grandmother, I could pick up on the meaning of the conversation. Though, I could never really understand the emotion and passion behind her words because I had a lack of knowledge about the Greek language. As a teacher, I can use this information in my classroom to better understand my students who are bilingual. I will, as their teacher, take the time to research their ethnic language. While I do not believe that I can fully understand the language in such a short amount of time, any effort to learn more about their ethnic language can bridge a gap of cultural understanding.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sara Stathakis
[mailto:LGreekgirll@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 1:21 PM
Subject: Discussion Thread
Thread posted by
Sarah-Catherine Wilcox
Although Gonzalez provides interesting insights into the connection with language and emotions, I find that her views concerning multiculturism are narrow-minded. She explains that the term "culture" has almost become obsolete; however, her definitions of culture and multiculturism in the schools is skewed. Gonzalez views multucultural education as "observable surface markers of folklore." According to the National Association for Multicultural Edcuation, "Multicultural education values cultural differences and affirms the pluralism that students, their communities, and teachers reflect". Multicultural education is more than cultural "dances, food, and ethnic festivals". Gonzalez also states that multiculturism in the schools disunites America. I disagree with this statement because I feel that, if implemented effectively, multiculturism challenges all forms of discrimination in schools and unifies students through the promotion of democratic principles.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah-Catherine Wilcox
[mailto:scw321@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 1:56 PM
Subject: Thread 3
Thread posted by
Amy Duncan
In the article, Gonzalaz discusses multiculturalism in schools. She says that multiculturalism disunites America. I do not agree with her, becuase I think that multiculturalism unites America. We are made up of so many different, interesting cultures. There is no single American culture, because when America was established, it was by many different ethnicities. There were aspects pulled from all cultures to that helped us become what we are today. She goes on to say that diversity within populations is great. I agree with here there, it would be boring if everyone was the same. Diversity brings a lot to a group of people, but I do not think that learning about all the other cultures would disunite the American culture. It can only benefit us to learn about them and appreciate their differences.
-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Duncan
[mailto:addunca@uark.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 2:22 PM
Subject: discussion thread
Thread posted by
Laura Johnston
Do you agree that the word "culture" has become obsolete?
Yes, I agree that the term "culture" has become obsolete. Although the term is still in use, the term lacks utility. The term has been watered down to describe "dances, food, ethnic heritage festivals, and international potlucks." I agree that although this definition of culture may promote "tolerance and identity", it does a poor job of capturing the true essence of culture. Therefore, because the current definition of the term "culture" does not encompass the original intent of the word, the term has become obsolete.
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Johnston
[mailto:lauraj3734@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 10:06 PM
Subject:
Thread posted by
Ryan Gullett
I agree that the word culture has become obsolete. I think that when we talk about culture when don't really talk about the true meaning of it. As stated in the article Norma Gonzalez said the term culture has lost much of its utility as a way to descride diversity within societies. When i think of the word culture the first thing that comes to mind is different foods, parties, dances and other thing but now i know now that is not what it is all about. In todays world i think when people hear the word culture the just think of things we do just in a different way. So there for i do think that the word culture has become obsolete.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ryan Gullett
[mailto:rpgulle@uark.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 10:39 PM
Subject: Threaded discussion
Thread posted by
Susan Hinton
The question is, is "culture" an obsolete term when used to describe diversity within our society? I believe the answer is yes, it is no longer an accurate term for our diverse population. In the view of the book's author, Norma Gonzalez, individual power and identity are more important than "culture". She believes that "culture" was a useful concept in the past to underline differences in races, but now the word only serves to "reinforce stereotypes" and fails to "address the underlying power imbalances" (Paragraph 7). Furthermore, multicultural studies many times assume all members of a particular group share a normative view of their own culture. What it fails to do is to realize that there are individual differences within the particular groups and that "normative" may be something different for each person in the group just as it is between groups within the greater society. I agree with Gonzalez that we are just as diverse within our groups as we are between them. "Normative" can have a different meaning depending on which part of the country you live in. The north is very different from the south. The east and the west are different. Here in Arkansas, the northwest area has a completely different way of life than the rest of the state-even our accents are different! Fayetteville has a different social climate than Springdale or Rogers. One could even compare neighborhoods! Individual families have their own rituals and customs in which they participate! There is much diversity seen in any way that people are grouped, so how can we define what is "normative"? Gonzalez also notes that the views of culture as a "standardized rule for behavior" (Paragraph 7) has become obsolete in literature. Rather, personal examples of everyday life have become the new "norm". Can we finally get away from the stereotypes and recognize that each person is unique in their experiences and interactions? I think so. The word "culture" has ceased being a useful word in this context when studying diversity.
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Hinton
[mailto:shinton@cox-internet.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 11:42 PM
Subject: Threaded Discussion #3
Thread posted by
Leah Higgs
I agree with Gonzalez that the term culture has become obsolete. At one point in time, "culture" referred to the "long past existing notions of inherited immutable racial differences." Are those cultures from the past still the same today or even still existing? To me, culture has become a more personal term. Every person has his or her own culture, which incorporates genetics and experience. No two people have had the exact same experiences even if they are from the same "culture". How, then, can we assume that people of the same "culture" will, in fact, be the same? Gonzalez sums up this topic when she writes, "Diversity within populations is as great as that between them.
-----Original Message-----
From: Leah Higgs
[mailto:lhiggs@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 4:33 PM
Subject: discussion thread
Thread posted by
Katie Newberry
Is culture obsolete? It depends on what your definition of culture is. Author, Norma Gonzalez believes that culture consists of certain rules and traditions. She states that "recent anthropological literature has moved away from such views of culture [dances, food, ethnic heritage festivals and international potlucks] and to focus on the processes of lived experiences rather than on standardized rules of behavior." She no longer sees the idea of culture as a set of norms and rules that a group of people live by. She, rather, sees culture as becoming a record of the experiences lived by people in that group.
By no longer recognizing rules with which to live by as a group, I would say that culture is becoming obsolete. I agree with Laura in the sense that the word culture promotes the formation of identity and gives off a positive feeling, but there is a big difference in what the idea of what culture is now to what it used to be, according to Gonzalez's article.
I, in no sense, think that teaching MCE is a bad thing. In fact, I feel the opposite way. I think that it is very important to make each student feel that they are valued, and it is necessary to really understand where people are coming from.
-----Original Message-----
From: Katie Newberry
[mailto:knewber@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 5:18 PM
Subject: Discussion 3
Thread posted by
Heather Schlichtman
Norma Gonzalez has studied the relationship between identity development and the use of the Spanish and English languages in bilingual households. She suggests that language is at the heart of people, within different countries there is a different type of upbringing, the role of language in education, and what language and culture mean in anthropology. She suggests that the word culture has lost its meaning in this bilingual family and situation. That culture has become more of an idea that is losing its meaning to the formality of trying to bring it into education. Some of the ideas seemed a little off base to me, such as the concept of can you truly appreciate a flower if you do not know its proper name. I do not think that concept is correct because who made the decision to call a rose a rose; if a person grew up thinking a rose was a daisy, they would still appreciate the flower for its beauty. I think that a greater problem with bi-lingual families might be that the more the children are in school the more "Americanized" they become creating a gap between the children and their family, both at home and in Mexico.
-----Original Message-----
From: Heather Schlichtman
[mailto:Opstorm13@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 5:47 PM
Subject: Discussion # 3
Thread posted by
Crystal Smith
Is the term culture obsolete?
No, I don't feel that the term "culture" has become obsolete.
I think Gonzalez has the term "culture" confused with "identity." "Culture" is defined in the text as the values; traditions; social and political relationships; and worldview created, shared and transformed by a group of people bound together by a "common" history, geographic location, language, social class, and or religion. "Identity" is defined as the set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group. A second definition of "Identity" is the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality. (Both definitions taken from www.dictionary.com.) I have come to this conclusion because of what Gonzalez says in paragraph 3, page 2, "In her view, the term culture has outlived its usefulness in some circumstances." "Rather than the single term culture, issues of the "individuals" power and legitimacy may be more helpful in understanding the experiences of the families she studied and that of bilingualism and "identity" in general." Another contrasting statement mentioned in paragraph 7, she says "the term culture has lost much of its utility as a way to describe "diversity" within societies." The terminology of the word culture is not used to describe diversities within a society; it is used to describe commonalities amongst a group of people bound together by a "common" history, geographical location, language, social class, and or religion. The word that Gonzalez should be resisting is the term "stereotype."
-----Original Message-----
From: Crystal Smith
[mailto:cms03@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 7:27 PM
Subject: Obsolete or Not?
Thread posted by
Jessica Clark
I completely agree with Laura that the term "culture" has lost its original meaning. The word can be used as a general descriptor for the many things that make up a society, but it is too vague to have any real meaning. "Culture" just brings to mind fuzzy images of foreign food. I agree with Gonzales that in trying to promote multiculturalism we give the impression that there is a "normal" culture. Gonzales says teachers should "recognize that every interaction in a classroom both reflects and constructs a social order." Teachers should be conscious that we are constructing a culture within our classrooms. Multiculturalism should be incorporated as a part of daily life. That way no one culture seems "normal" by comparison.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jessica Clark
[mailto:jplum@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 8:06 PM
Subject: discussion :-)
Thread posted by
Alison Bradley
Response to "I Am My Language" Article:
The question we have been asked to consider after having read "I Am My Language" is whether the term "culture" has become obsolete. This is a very challenging question. First, let us review some information provided by the article. As noted in James E. McCarroll's review of "I Am My Language" written by Norma Gonzalez, she views the term "culture" as having outlived its usefulness in certain circumstances and that the term lacks a particular function in society today. The four themes pointed out by Mrs. Gonzalez in the study are: language is the essence of a person, identities vary based on location of the individual's upbringing, the effects of linguistics, emotion, and identity on schoolchildren, and the importance of experiences within a family rather than (assigned) cultural traits. In considering these factors, Mrs. Gonzalez believes that the term "culture" no longer helps identify diverse groups in a positive sense, but as a means of reinforcing (negative) stereotypes. For example, comparing a person's work ethic to someone from a Hispanic background may imply that the individual is lazy. The phrase "Indian-giver" is another example of a slur relating to one's culture. Based on the information provided by the article, it is my opinion that the term "culture" no longer serves the original purpose for which it was intended; however, I have conflicting feelings as to whether it should be considered obsolete. I feel the word "culture" serves as an indicator of the history and customs of an individual, which is not always a true reflection of a person's values that are instilled during their upbringing. On one hand, I feel the term "culture" can be used as an adequate identifier of a group of individuals because it simplifies the process of trying to figure out how to relate to a person in that group. On the other hand, the term "culture" can place undesirable labels on people due to stigmas that have been attached over the years. Regardless of how you currently view the term "culture", the definition is sure to change depending on the circumstances and the author's understanding of multicultural groups.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alison Bradley
[mailto:bradley@cox-internet.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 9:45 PM
Subject: "I Am My Language" Response
Thread posted by
Alena Carter
In paragraph eight of the article the author says that Gonzalez's work "cautions us to listen and to probe more carefully for meaning when working with bilingual persons and to be ever more suspicious of labels like culture and diversity that may serve political goals more than productive interpersonal ones." This is further proof of her notion that culture is a word that is loosing its value. She urges us to beware of how and when these terms are used because often they are used loosely and in a stereotypical manner. I agree that caution needs to be used when working with bilingual people.Even when trying to avoid stereotypes, we come across them every day. A good example is the term cultural. When the word culture is thought of, we may perceive it to be food, dance, or something of the like rather than seeing the differences within the group. (just as was said in the article) The term culture has not completely eroded away but it is losing its value. I think care should be taken when using it so that it does not gain a negative image.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alena Carter
[mailto:snapdragon220@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 9:48 PM
Subject: i am my language
Thread posted by
Magan Shores
In the article I was suprised to see that the term 'culture' was being questioned. I was surprised because I completely agree that the term 'culture' has lost the "utility as a way to describe diversity within societies." I feel that the term promotes one culture over another. Like the article, I also think that education of cultures only teaches tolerance. Like it or not, American society is made up of many cultures. Acceptance and tolerance should not be taught, but the culture should be embraced. If we all stop trying to enforce 'culture' education, and how to "deal" with people from other cultures and just took time to immerse ourselves in the culture and to learn how all culture has effected our society as a whole their would be no need to single out individual cultures. The term 'culture' was once used to describe diversity in society, but acknowledging differences shows us that societies are made up entirely of differences.
-----Original Message-----
From: Magan Shores
[mailto:mshores@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 9:59 PM
Subject: Threaded Discussion
Thread posted by
Katy Collins
The title of this article speaks volumes: "I Am My Language". What a beautifully simple way to open such complex topic. The role that language plays in the life of each individual on this earth is profound. It is not just a way of communicating, but, as the author states (see paragraph 6), it is an integral part of cultural identity. Language becomes linked to emotions, situations, and locations, all of which influence how one relates to that language. As teachers it is so important that we make English a positive opportunity, not an intimidating imposition. At the same time, the teacher must value and respect the first language for the indelible mark it will surely have on the student's outlook and view of the world. Just as English defines much of who we are, who we relate to, and what we choose to do with our lives, the language of our students influences how they see the world.
-----Original Message-----
From: Katy Collins
[mailto:kec01@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 10:25 PM
Subject: McCarroll Response
Thread posted by
P.J. Brown
I like what Leah mentioned about how culture used to mean long-past notions of
racial differences. I agree, that is what I see as background of the word,
but the meaning of that word has evolved as the whole world has evolved as
well. Today the word culture is more modernized to match the world that is
more modernized too. I don't think that the term is obsolete, I just think
that it has adapted to match society. When we think of other cultures we
tend to think of the things that are not really as important, for example,
food, but to the people in that culture that we are talking about, it means
much more to them. The opinion on a background, or what a culture consists
of, depends on what point of view one may have.
-----Original Message-----
From: P.J. Brown
[mailto:pjbrown@uark.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 10:26 PM
Subject: Discussion post
Thread posted by
Ben Lewis
I agree with Norma Gonzalez that the word culture has become obsolete. There are some many different subcultures that the word culture is becoming generic. When I hear the word culture, I automatically think of skin color.
I almost forget that every person also has their own subculture within their own family. A lot of times we make unfair assumptions about a certain culture, which stereotypes the whole group, which might lead to them feeling ashamed about their own culture. In the article "I Am My Language," Gonzalez says that"recent anthropological literature has moved away from such views of culture and to a focus on the processes of lived experiences rather that on standardized rules for behavior." This is a better approach to understanding people because this way we base our perception on the individual rather than their culture. This article has lead me to believe that the word culture has become obsolete.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Lewis
[mailto:bwl01@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 11:07 PM
Subject: Threaded Response
Thread posted by
Carrie Keeling
I think I disagree with Gonzalez that the word culture is becoming obsolete. Culture is defined as patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population (taken from dictionary.reference.com/ search?q=culture). I agree with this definition. I think that the word culture can still be used but these days the meaning has completely changed because there are so many different cultures in one area(the U.S.). I feel that your values and beliefs and even foods are passed on from history and tradition and that is how culture is seen these days and I believe should be seen. I think that each person should take care in their culture try to learn more about other people's cultures as well. This is very important to us as beginning teachers to keep in mind. We can learn a lot from our students cultures that they will bring into our classroom.
-----Original Message-----
From: Carrie Keeling
[mailto:ckeelin@uark.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 11:57 AM
Subject: post
Thread posted by
Donna M. Hogan-DeLaPorte
Is the term culture obsolete?
In my opinion the term culture is not obsolete even for Ms. Gonzalez. In paragraph three of the journal article there are four themes. The first based on the person language being the heart of the person (lingual). The second is based on different norms on the borderland regions (different connections in upbringing). The third illustrates the "complexities of the children's would in order to break down stereotypes of ethnicity" (language, emotion, and identity). The fourth is about what language and culture mean in anthropology (region). As the paragraph continues she goes on to say that the term has outlived its usefulness and that other words such as bilingualism and identity are better words. Well not to step on her toes but why use more words that can be said in one "culture". I like the word because it says what it is meant to say quickly with out the extra. The culture word just simply means the thoughts, feelings, language, region of ethnicity, and I also do not believe that multicultural classes affirm stereotypes (paragraph seven). Maybe some of what we conceptualize as our culture is folklore but I honestly believe that folklore can build bridges affirming diversity rather than break them down. I actually like to learn about cultural backgrounds and knowledge. The Mexicans, American Indians, Africans, Irish, and other nationalities all have there dance, food, and ethnic heritage festivals and what in the world is wrong with celebrating these things? Nothing, so, why not just use the one word. I do not see it going away in my lifetime or my grandson's (2 years old).
-----Original Message-----
From: Donna M. Hogan-DeLaPorte
[mailto:ddelapo@uark.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 4:36 PM
Subject: Threaded discussion
Thread posted by
Leandra Cleveland
Gonzalez believes that the term "culture" has become obsolete because it is no longer applicable to describe our society. She believes that because each "culture" itself includes so much diversity, they cannot be clumped together into one "culture". I disagree. Take for example the Mexican "culture". Just because one group of the Mexican people are different from another part does not mean that they are not all part of the same culture. There will always be diversities within large groups of people, especially within large cultures. Look at the different languages of the world. One language might be spoken in several different dialects, but all of those dialects are still a part of the mother language. In this same way the diverse groups found within a culture are still a part of that mother culture. One might say they are a culture within a culture. So the term culture might have different meanings, being general or specific, but it is far from obsolete.
-----Original Message-----
From: Leandra Cleveland
[mailto:ljpatte@uark.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 4:52 PM
Subject: Re: thread #3
*This is the next step toward THE One World Language.
Step Eight: *Your curriculum beset by whooping cough!
Planet Gnosis is ruled by Freddie A. Bowles, a professional educator and fellow at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. An independent entity in the CornDancer consortium of planets, Planet Gnosis is dedicated to the exploration of education and teaching. CornDancer is a developmental website for the mind and spirit maintained by webmistress Freddie A. Bowles of the Planet Earth. Submissions are invited.
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