Citing Brown in our Identity Short Papers

Any one know the solution for the apparent discrepancy in the cite for required text and the one referenced in the assignment rubric?

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency seeks "ebonics" speakers

How crazy is this?  The DEA is having trouble understanding suspected criminals who speak "ebonics" and needs help "translating" what they are saying into Standard American English.

The Johns Hopkins student quickly learns that "ebonics" is not the preferred term (AAVE - African American Vernacular English - is), but it is still an interesting factiod from the web this week... 

So... Do readers of this blog feel that ESL recognition / training is needed to reach our students who come from homes in which AAVE aka "Black English" is the spoken /written form?

I feel that recognition of the differences between these two forms of English and coaching in "code switching" is highly appropriate in K-12 settings. 

It is a shame whenever good ideas are lost in (a lack of) translation or acceptance of "less prestigious" forms of communication.

Excellent Book for those interested in the American Language

I strongly recommend H. L. Mencken's book "The American Language". 

Though a bit dated (first published in 1919; I have the one-volume paperback abridged 4th edition with annotations and new material from 1979; there may be more recent editions)

Not an easy read at almost 800 pages, but full of interesting insights for the student of American English.

First-Time Poster

Greeting and Salutations!  I have finally entered the 21st century and created a "blog", at the behest of my professor at Johns Hopkins.

Though its intended purpose is to capture my thoughts on teaching English as a Second / Foreign Language (ESL/EFL), I will also be adding content based on the best decade ever - the 80's.

Enjoy, and comment/post as you see fit!

NuWaveDave