Classroom Conundrums

Lisa Delpit delves into the problems involved in language usage and diversity within the classroom. Through this study we can see that difference in vernacular between black and white communities is very different. We can also see how that effects students understanding and participation within the classroom. What this study fails to do is consider the vernacular of sections of white communities as well. Whether it is the rural farming language or, as we deal with in Pittsburgh, the ‘yinzer’ speak. I think there is a lot of emphasis on black culture vs. white culture within education. Often times it is easy to forget how many different kinds of black cultures and white cultures exist within the same city or country. Language diversity within the United States is not black or white. How can these issues be addressed within the context of Delpit’s study? What sorts of changes should or should not happen within an educational setting in terms of language development and assessment?