Literacy Narrative Brainstorming

Language and Identity

You have multiple identities. An identity can be any group that is defined by differences in race, ethnicity, class, religion, occupation, ability, age, location, personality type, intelligence, health, gender, birth order, etc.

1. List experiences when your knowledge of jargon, slang, or dialect made you feel like an insider in a group.

2. List experiences when your language made you feel like an outsider in a group. Tell about a time when someone criticized your language or made you feel uneducated.

3. Explain when something someone said led to a conflict or hurt your feelings. Tell about a time when you used language to take a stand, get in someone's face, or speak up for others.

4. Tell about a time when language helped you to make peace with someone or inspired you to accept the views of someone else.

5. Explain about a time when you were silent because you felt different, ignored, or afraid to speak your mind.

6. List times when reading or writing has meant the most to you.

English as a Second Language and Identity

Consider both the negative and positive experiences you've had with the English language? What moments have shaped who you are as a speaker and writer of English today?

1. What role(s) does the English language play in your life? How do you use it?

2. What role(s) does the English language NOT play in your life?

3. Why and when do you use English? Who do you use English to communicate with?

4. What forms of English do you use at home or with your friends?

5. What types of Englishes do you use? Why? With who?

6. Do you use the language differently on platforms like Playstation, Facebook, or cell phones?

7. Was there a time when you encountered an unfamiliar form of English in another context that you found challenging in some way?