Linguistic paper

You will write a minimum 5-page essay that considers the questions about the history, culture and language use of your family. Research documents and interview a family member to discuss the questions, as outlined below. Finally, write about your own cultural and linguistic experience.

1. Researching your family’s background, cultural and linguistic development

Research the history and place of origin of your family (e.g., Cuban, Black, AfroCuban, Native, Asian American), going back several generations (parents, grandparents, etc.).  For most members of this group, what has been their experience with…

• Language (Phonology – do they have an accent? How are words pronounced? Morphology – special words used by your family members? Jargon? Syntax – grammar issue? Etc.)
• Culture
• Privilege/oppression
• Migration patterns
• Education

2. Interview by phone or face-to-face two (2) family members (or close friends if necessary) to document their past and present around their experiences with…

• Language (Phonology – do they have an accent? How are words pronounced? Morphology – special words used by your family members? Jargons? Syntax – grammar issue? Etc.)
• Culture
• Privilege/oppression
• Migration patterns
• Educational experiences

3. Analysis

• How does this family members experiences compare with the typical history of this same group of people?
• How do you fit into this group (or how do you not fit in)?
• What did you learn about yourself, those around you, and your future students throughout this semester?
• How will what you learned this semester influence how you teach?