Riyyah Inglis

Module 2 Essay
Humans have the capacity to use a linguistic system for this purpose. Different languages
used worldwide have their own linguistic system that is specific to their language community.
These language communities are comprised of different dialects, which are varieties of the
same language distinguished by features like sounds and grammar. In this excerpt, a contrast
of dialect between the narrator’s former teacher and their new teacher, is shown.
In the excerpt, two dialectal variations can be identified- Standard English and English
Lexicon Creole. The two dialects are easily distinguishable due to differences in grammar
and sound features. A difference in sound features between the two can be seen in line 19,
where ‘wid’ is used. ‘Wid’ is the English Lexicon creole version of the standard English
word, ‘with’. ‘With’ has a ‘th’ ending, whereas, ‘wid’ has a ‘d’ ending when spoken. A
difference in grammar is noticed in line 20, where the phrase “we go have to..” is used. This
phrase is typically used in English Lexicon speaking countries. It is not grammatically correct
to Standard English Speakers as the ‘correct’ translation would be “we will have to..”.
The characters in this excerpt seem to think of Standard English as a formal or ‘fancy’
dialect. In line 4, the narrator says that Mr. Ramsawak spoke elegant English and suggests
that they (the students) do the same. The use of the word ‘elegant’ makes the dialect seem
more superior, or one that is used by a higher class of persons. Since their former teacher
suggested that they use it, it suggests that he thinks it is superior and that it must be used by
more frequently. In contrast, Mr. Singh, the new teacher, sees Standard English as ‘fancy’
(line 25). He also sees it as a formal dialect; however, he does not believe in using it
frequently to converse. Mr. Singh insists on using the English lexicon creole dialect. He
believes that it sets a more casual and comfortable mood, which makes it easier for the
students to understand him whilst teaching (as suggested by line 16). He claims that English
lexicon creole is the language of the people, and he also believes that students will remain in
their country anyways and will primarily use this dialect to communicate.
Communicative behaviours such as pacing and pausing are observed in this excerpt. In line
13, it is written that Mr. Singh paces around the classroom whilst making his introductory
speech. The purpose of doing so may be so that he fully has the attention of the students. This
is a technique used by many teachers. In line 18, it is written that Mr. Singh pauses and looks
at the class intently during his introductory speech. This may be done to create a dramatic
effect during the speech. He may have said something prior that he believes should have
caused the students to have a big reaction to.
Different dialects may be deemed to be used in different settings. Some may be formal and
the other, informal. In this case, Standard English would be formal, whilst English lexicon
creole may be informal. The most important thing is to know when the different dialects
should be used to communicate depending on the setting.