Starr Levy
EDU-604
Professor Herrera
Post University
Introduction to The Skin that We Speak
(Delpit & Dowdy, 2002)
Those exposed to specific culture share common linguistic practices that create
identity
The exercise of academic or professional language conveys the impression of
education, power, and privilege (Gorski, 2010)
Societal norms relating to the language used by the majority are used to
suppress “others.”
Using our readings and discussions, what would and could you do to assist
these culturally and linguistically diverse students to be successful socially
and academically?
Support them in understanding the need to use academic language and code-
switch (trilingualism)
Engage students of a variety of cultures in discourse to normalize linguistic
differences and ensure all students posses cultural sensitivity relating to language
What the Issue and Theme Mean for
Society
Society will continue to become more diverse with many
different linguistic practices
Language must continue to evolve as it has for centuries
in a way that incorporates the practices of many to
create commonalities
Acceptance must be granted for those whose linguistic
practices differ due to cultural differences
Different does not equal inferior
Delpit, Lisa and Joann Kilgour Dowdy. The Skin We Speak. New York: New Press,
2002
Gorski, P. (April 14, 2010). The Challenge of Defining "Multicultural Education.
NPR (2010, Jan 15). Is There A Biological Basis for Race?. "Talk of the Nation."
Trumbull, E., Rothstein-Fisch, C., & Greenfield, P.M. (2000). Bridging Cultures in
Our Schools: New Approaches That Work. Knowledge Brief. San Francisco:
WestEd.