Other People's English: Code-Meshing, Code-Switching, and African American Literacy

Abstract

Vershawn Ashanti Young, Rusty Barrett, Y’Shanda Young-Rivera, and Kim Brian Lovejoy Foreword by April Baker-Bell Afterword  by Victor Villanueva Working and Writing for Change Series Editors: Steve Parks and Jessica Pauszek Information and Pricing 978-1-64317-043-5 (paperback, $27.00); 978-1-64317-035-0 (PDF, $19.99). © 2019 by New City Community Press. 210 pages, with notes, bibliography, and illustrations. Download Online Appendix (PDF) , including mini-unit lessons, with surveys and student samples. Bookstores : Order by fax, mail, or phone. See our "Sales and Ordering Page" for details. About This Book With a new Foreword by April Baker-Bell and a new Preface by Vershawn Ashanti Young and Y’Shanda Young-Rivera, Other People’s English: Code-Meshing, Code-Switching , and African American Literacy presents an empirically grounded argument for a new approach to teaching writing to diverse students in the English language arts classroom. Responding to advocates of the “code-switching” approach, four uniquely qualified authors make the case for “code-meshing”—allowing students to use standard English, African American English, and other Englishes in formal academic writing and classroom discussions. This practical resource translates theory into a concrete road map for pre- and inservice teachers who wish to use code-meshing in the classroom to extend students’ abilities as writers and thinkers and to foster inclusiveness and creativity. The text provides activities and examples from middle and high school as well as college and addresses the question of how to advocate for code-meshing with skeptical administrators, parents, and students. Other People’s English provides a rationale for the social and educational value of code-meshing, including answers to frequently asked questions about language variation. It also includes teaching tips and action plans for professional development workshops that address cultural prejudices. About the Authors Vershawn Ashanti Young