African-American Linguists Presentation may not be reproduced without written permission from Krishauna Hines Krishauna Hines Or Tamari Jenkins ©2004 African American Linguists

Strategies for the Retention of African American Students in World Language Classrooms Organization of African American Linguists Tamari Jenkins (Chaffey College, CA) Krishauna Latay Hines (Salem College, NC)

Research Purpose of Pilot Study Research

Methodology Family History Exposure to World Languages World Language Educational Background Diversity in the World Language Classroom

Significant Findings Highest level of Education of Mother

Significant Findings Highest level of Education of Father

Significant Findings Percentage of mothers who studied a world language

Significant Findings Percentage of fathers who studied a world language

Significant Findings Percentage of students exposed to world languages as children

Significant Findings Sources of exposure to world languages

Significant Findings How many students have studied abroad

Significant Findings Factors prohibiting students from studying abroad

Significant Findings Student motivation for world language study 9 th -12 th GradeCollege

Significant Findings How many African American students enrolled in world language courses

Significant Findings Race & nationality of world language teacher K-5 th Grade 6-8th

Significant Findings Race & nationality of world language teacher 9 th -12 th Grade College

Significant Findings Race & nationality of world language teacher Graduate School

Significant Findings Percentage of students exposed to African influences in their world language classroom

Significant Findings At what level students were exposed to African influences in their world language courses

Strategies for Retention of African American Students Provide resources & information to parents of K-12 students concerning language courses, college preparation, study abroad opportunities & the benefits of world language study.

Strategies for Retention of African American Students Students should be exposed to the African Diaspora in their world language classrooms Teachers should collaborate with African Studies Programs to incorporate the African Diaspora into pedagogy.

Strategies for Retention of African American Students More financial aid needed to assist students who desire to study abroad More information should be provided by teachers and counselors about study abroad programs. Students should be encouraged to plan ahead for study abroad.

Strategies for Retention of African American Students Students should be encouraged to continue with advanced language study & participate in study abroad programs in order to attain fluency. Long term implications could be that more African Americans will become world language educators.

Quotes from study participants Do you feel that having knowledge of people of African descent would have influenced your world language study? If it were presented at the high school level I believe the interest would have created an ownership of world language---CA. The study would have been more relatable and less foreign---NC. I feel as if I would have had a stronger will and desire to know about my heritage---NJ. It makes me want to continue my study of Spanish and world language, so I can learn more about Black peoples contribution in the rest of the world---TX.

Quotes from study participants Do you feel that having knowledge of people of African descent would have influenced you in your world language study? I would be better prepared, my personal interest would increase, I would feel that I am more of a contributor and that my people make a difference and are important contributing factors---OH. It may have served to increase esteem in my ability to apprehend the language. It may have fostered a sense of pride in the achievements of people of my own community. It may have caused me to aspire to greater achievements in world languages---NC.

African-American Linguists Presentation may not be reproduced without written permission from Krishauna Hines Krishauna Hines Or Tamari Jenkins ©2004 African American Linguists