From Outside In

What constitutes “correct” language from “improper” language?

As we have learned through personal experience or through classroom exposure written and oral language differs in a multitude of contexts. According to Barbara Mellix, “a complicated relationship between language and power may require a new awareness of what is proper in each community”. Hence, the type of social surrounding us at any specific moment constitutes and shapes the language for that specific time. For instance, if I am at school I will use adequate language however, when I am in my comfort zone with my peers, I can relax and use a less scholarly type of language. Many people face this specific type of predicament. The difference in proper and improper language makes it hard for many to communicate thus, creating a gap between communitites. It almost seems that ebonics and such types of communication is dominating up to the point of Mellix, "teachers teaching standard English but used black English to do it." It seems almost amazing what teachers have to do to teach proper English, but this is the only way to get the students to understand what the teacher is trying to explain.