Essay Question:

Write an essay in which you define and explain what the concept of -language" means to you. Can language be seen through multiple perspectives? When we think of how we use language in our everyday lives are there social, economic, or cultural issues involved separately or collectively? How does your family background influence your idea of language? In essence, what constitutes language? In writing your essay, keep in mind Maxine Hong Kingston's -The Language of Silence,- our class discussions and the articles from What 's Language Got to Do With It? You must refer to and quote from at least two texts that have been assigned to illustrate your definition of language for your essay.

Remember, your unique definition of language (with contextual evidence) is your thesis for this essay, so it must be well supported. As you formulate your own idea of language, feel free not only to agree but also disagree with ideas in the texts that you are referencing and quoting.

Focus:

This essay should have a clear thesis/statement of your argument somewhere in your first paragraph (your introduction). You must address your essay from an analytical perspective. Do not just cover the details of what occurs in the text. Instead use these articles and your essay to explore what you believe defines language. You should also make an effort to offer connections between the readings and establish analytical distinctions between the texts and your ideas.

Readings:

The readings you choose to support your thesis should help you demonstrate a critical understanding on the concept of language. Summarizing the readings help in this instance. However, you should not mistake summary for analysis.