Linguistic/Cultural Memoir

 

This assignment has two parts.  You will first write an essay that considers the questions about the history, culture, and language use of your family. Research documents and interview a family member to discuss the questions, as outlined below.  Finally, write about your own cultural and linguistic experience.  In the second part of the assignment, you will link your personal and family culture and linguistic development to the concepts we learned about during the semester.  (A minimum of 800 words)

 

Part 1:

· Researching your family’s background, cultural and linguistic development

Research the history and place of origin of your family (e.g., Cuban, Black, Afro-Cuban, Native, Asian American), going back several generations.  For most members of this group, what has been their experience with…

·

· Language

· Culture

· Privilege/oppression.

· Migration patterns

· Education

· Did it happen?

· Miami? Elsewhere?

· Monolingual? Bilingual?

 

· Interview family member/s to document their past and present around their experiences with…

· Language

· Culture

· Privilege/oppression.

· Migration patterns

· Educational experiences

· Did it happen?

· Miami? Elsewhere?

· Monolingual? Bilingual?

How do this family member’s (or these family members’) experiences compare with the typical history of this same group of people?

How do  you fit into this group (or how do you  not fit in)?

 

· Defining/describing your experience/history/identity as a language learner/user

Using your findings and comparisons from above, together with what you recognize to be your own experiences, respond to the following questions using narrative form.

·

· Who are you as a language user? Do you consider yourself to be monolingual? Bilingual? Multilingual? Why? Think about how we define these terms in this class, how we describe the ways that bi/multilingual use language, and how you learned any languages that you use (think about the theories and perspectives).

· What are some defining language learning experiences in your life?

· What assumptions did you hold about your language use? About the language use of others?

· How has your culture, ethnicity, and/or identity influenced the way that you use language?

 

Part 2:

· What did you learn about yourself, those around you, and your future students during this semester?

· How will what you learned this semester influence how you teach?

Rubric

Linguistic/Cultural Memoir

Linguistic/Cultural Memoir
Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch evident Essay shows evidence of substantial research regarding history and culture of the community.	8 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks	8 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeInterview Careful detailed conversation with family member is evident.	8 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks	8 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLanguage/culture identity Own experience is related with details. Thoughtful introspection is evident.	7 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks	7 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics Essay is well-organized. Attention is paid to correct grammar and spelling.	2 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks	2 pts
Total Points: 25