How do we learn to use language? Language Socialization

Intentionally left empty… to represent “This is how human infants are born. ‘blank slate,’ much like a nice, clean whiteboard but fully supplied with Expo markers and erasers. This may be really non-controversial and obvious—but it is a fact that is really taken for granted. We spend the majority of our early childhood acquiring culture and language. We are not born with it already in us. So much of what we know is taken for existing outside (or inside) of us. But a majority of things that we know--how we act and behave now--is the result of learned behavior.

Defining Socialization What is it? “Socialization [is] an interactional display (overt or covert) to a novice of expected ways of thinking, feeling, and acting [talking]…” Language is a tool for socialization! Linguists have defined socialization. (read the quote) (deconstructing the quote) Interaction is absolutely critical to socialization. Because we all start clean, we start as beginners, “noobs”—novices. As social creatures, we must learn through and by our interaction with others. We learn to speak by listening to input around us—and when we are physically ready (ability to control and move our lips, tongues, think backing to articulation), we learn by doing--we begin speaking (babies coo, babble, etc). This is also the same when we learn to acquire a second language. Through our interactions, we learn what is to be expected of us—we learn what is “normal” and what is “abnormal.” In both overt/explicit (Like when someone directs you, saying “Do not say ‘ain’t no’”) and not so explicit/covert ways (like when you ask “Can I use the bathroom?” and they reply “You MAY use the restroom”), we are corrected or we can deduce what is “the right” kind of behavior. Often we are given positive or negative evaluations in the feedback.

What are some speech norms? AKA expected ways of speaking (also revealing of expected ways of thinking, feeling, and acting) Often easier to recognize norms when norms are violated Ask students what are some expected ways of speaking—guarantee that they know it, as they have all been socialized! Guide students to thinking about violations of (un)spoken speech norms… Allow them time to give responses. Say “Hello” to initiate conversation, “bye” to signal the end of conversation Do not interrupt people when they are speaking/only one person should be talking at one point, with other(s) listening When and with whom it is (Not) appropriate to use slang What words are “bad” or taboo to say Talk at a certain volume (indoor voice, outdoor voice) Ask students to think of different factors/variables or what rules would be applicable in what contexts, amongst what speakers? Factor of expected speech patterns of males vs females. - Males and females learn to speak in gendered ways (to varying degrees) Lead into video of “girls will be boys” Let them talk about what they think is odd or what it is that makes it funny to them Ask students: how are the girls “being boys?” Does this vary by certain factors?

Defining Socialization (continued) “through their participation in social interactions, children come to internalize and gain performance competence in these socioculturally defined contexts” Participation in social interactions – think back to how, in previous lectures, we spoke about “communities” (of practice) How communities are a group of people who come together around shared actions and activities. Gain performance competence – basically know how to act and speak appropriately. Think back to “practices”—so this behavior is shared by group of people and repeated, used many times; speaking in distinct ways Socioculturally defined contexts – think back to “registers” and how it is about language used for a specific means or reason So as each of us are individuals who belong to many communities—we are socialized to know how to speak appropriately for every community. SEGUE to next slide (child video): HOW do we learn to speak appropriately? WHO socializes us?

Where do we learn our language? Agents of socialization Parents /Siblings/ Family Media/ Technology Friends and Play Sports & Leisure Activities Community Institutions (School, Church, Work) You! Agents = the things/entities with the capacity of acting or of exerting power/influence over your language learning (how you speak everyday) Ask students to share their responses. Present the bullet points, show the clip. Read off the bullet points, but allow students to mull over these categories (leave it up?) for the group discussion portion. * Be sure to emphasize the each student him/herself can make conscious efforts to watch the way that they talk. Word choice matters in creating/maintaining identity, may have larger implications (e.g. bullying)*

Where and from whom do we learn language? Where do toddlers learn language? From whom do they learn language? Where do teenagers learn their language? Where do professors learn their language? How do language identities vary between family, gender, race, age, and region?