1. Standard V non-standard
There is a common belief that there is a ‘correct’ way of speaking and writing English. This is the style of English that is taught in schools and, over the centuries, has come to be known as “standard English” meaning that every other way of speaking has become “non-standard” or, less charitably, ‘wrong’. Is this fair?
TASK: Match up the Standard words with the non-standard:
STANDARD ENGLISH NON-STANDARD
Child Bird
Good Bairns
Mess up/digress Cha
Suit (of clothes) Ken?
Tea Rass
Understand? Wicked
Woman Whistle

2. Leonard ends the poem with “belt up”
Leonard ends the poem with “belt up”. What do you think he intended us to feel by ending the poem in this way? Justify your interpretation:
He wants us not to judge him anymore
He wants us to remain silent so he can speak
He wants to deny us the right to free speech
He’s expressing anger at the way he’s been treated.