Few things reflect the “whole child” more than the child’s language. The words he chooses to use to describe his family, the phrases she utters when she is frustrated; all of these together are a reflection of that child’s upbringing, culture, socioeconomic status, ethnic identity, speech community, etc. Perhaps, then, that is why it is so frustrating to see a child enter adolescence and completely reject his/her formal speech background, only to replace it with jargon and words inexplicable to anyone over the age of 18. Truly, the language of adolescence is like a foreign language! Since language is so closely tied to a child’s development and identity, criticism of that language is perceived as criticism of the child him/herself. As teachers, we have to carefully wade in these waters, appreciating the developmental stage of our students, while still encouraging formal and correct language use.
In your own words, describe your adolescent linguistic practices. Did you use any funny/strange words during that time period? How important was it for you to have the freedom to develop that linguistic self?
