The Skin That We Speak: Thoughts on Language and Culture in the Classroom

by Lisa Delpit, Joanne Kilgour Dowdy, Lisa D. Delpit

Book Overview

"Lucid, accessible" research on classroom language bias for educators and "parents concerned about questions of power and control in public schools" (Publishers Weekly).

In this collection of twelve essays, MacArthur Fellow Lisa Delpit and Kent State University Associate Professor Joanne Kilgour Dowdy take a critical look at the issues of language and dialect in the education system. The Skin That We Speak moves beyond...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595583505
• ISBN13: 9781595583505
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: New Press
• Length: 229 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating and a great read!

As someone who is interested in issues of culture and language, I gobbled up this book like candy!It is terrificly fun to read--as interesting and engaging as a novel. Whil most of the anecdotes recounted in this book concern the classroom, I think it is of equal interest to people who work with others of diverse backgrounds in medical, mental health, and other settings. I have recommended this to undergrads, grad students, professors and friends--they all love it!

J. Jack

I felt that this was a great book to read. It reached me on a variety of levels. As a teacher it forced me to reflect on my own beliefs about language and literacy. As a person of Caribbean decent, it made me think about the injustice and prejudice that is so often placed on students of a different heritage. Each story in the book gives you another aspect of how language and the way we speak affects our lives. Whether we are the student in the classroom that is being negatively stereotyped or the teacher having to deal with multiple second language learners, this book has opened my eyes to understand both sides. From the teacher aspect, I have also received ideas on how to better relate to my diverse learners through one of the selections. I realized that by welcoming their culture into the classroom the student thus feels respected and welcomed, which makes it easier for them to attain the target language. It's great tips like this and many others that you will find within the book "The skin that we speak." I recommend this book to those who are interested in looking deeper into language in the classroom and beyond.

Delpit

Outstanding book that helps change the methodology of teaching second-language students. Hearing the voices of actual students helps to relive their pains.

Satisfied Customer

I am very satisfied with the quality of the book and the expedience of the delivery.

Showing your race/sexual orientation/socioeconomic status/culture by the way you speak.

An interesting look at differences in language -- accent, vocabulary, and dialect. This book explores the judgements that people, even young children, make when they hear a voice. Well-rounded and very pragmatic about solutions. Doesn't just say 'Oh, people shouldn't judge each other.' Because, like it or not, we do.