Learning Language, Culture and
Identity as Children
Discussion
questions
Learning Language, Culture and
Identity as Children
Discussion
questions
Group members
___________________________________________
Vocabulary:
noun verb infinitive adjective adverb meaning psychology psychological psychologically gestures to gesture by gesturing consciousness conscious consciously awareness; active thinking about something taboo taboo accent accented by accenting; with an accent characteristics of the speech/language/style of speaking
of people of a certain region or social class to make fun of ... by making fun ... joking, being cruel by laughing at or bullying
someone
1. At what age do children begin to learn language? Why do
you think your answer is correct?
2. At what age do children begin to "learn" their own culture? Why do you think your answer is correct?
3. At what age do children begin to develop their own psychological and social identity? Why do you think your answer is correct?
4. If 10-month-old Japanese and Japanese-American babies (or Russian and Russian-American babies, etc.) were in a room together, could you tell which was living in Japan (or Russia, etc.) and which was living in the U.S. Explain your answer.
5. Do you think that we choose what we say because we want to be liked? If so, at what age did you begin to use language or gestures so that people would like you?
6. At what age did you begin to consciously choose what you said so that your friends, parents, teachers, and so forth, so that they would like you and accept you? When (or if) you began to think about what you would say,
Did you try to use "correct" grammar or language? Why or why not? Give examples.
Did you use taboo words ( = words that are "bad")? Why or why not? Give examples.
Did you try to develop an accent so that you would sound like you were from a certain social class or region of your country? Why or why not? Give examples.
7. Did you laugh at or make fun of children who spoke differently than you and your friends. What did they do that was "different" and what did you do or say and why?
8. Do you think you consciously or unconsciously formed and continue to form your identity by choosing what you say and to whom you speak? Explain.
9. If you have children, will you try to form their identity by making them speak in a certain way? Explain.