- What argument is the author making about this assimilation process?
- How do you know this is their argument?
- What rhetorical moves (methods) does Smith or Mellix make?
--Elizabeth
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Response for Friday: Smith and Mellix articles
Patricia Smith and Barbara Mellix, while they narrate a personal story, at the same time make an argument about assimilation into society through language. Specifically, both discuss the transition made between "Black" English and "standard" English. In a 1-2 paragraph posting, focus on either Smith or Mellix's article to analyze, being guided by the following questions:
--Elizabeth
--Elizabeth
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In Patricia Smith article she is saddened by her mother's desire to give up her southern talking ways and speak "north." The author's mother wants to speak what she considers the right way before she dies and no longer sound what she thinks is inferior. By talking like educated white folks she thinks this will unlock all her dreams and make her successful.
The author totally disagrees and laments the loss of her mother's "sweet" way of talking likening it unto buttery cornbread. She also considers this change to be a betrayal of who she really is.
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