Exploring the mechanics of language in society

The last English prompt said, in part:

As you're reading the text  or texts you're assigned for next Tuesday, be on the lookout for a paragraph in which the writer or writers is just explaining something -- not making an argument for something, but just describing or explaining. Try to find one where it's not really explicit what the author's view is, or at least not clear in the passage concerned.

Copy and paste, or transcribe the passage (at least 50 words; no more than 150) into a file. Indicate clearly, with a bibliographical reference, where it came from. Print it out. Bring it to class Tuesday.

Some explanation

Most people aren't aware of how deeply our language shapes the stuff we believe without even knowing we believe it. This is perfectly understandable, because if we were aware of it we probably couldn't talk or write at all, or only with great difficulty. It's like riding a bicycle, or driving, or handling a computer mouse -- if we tried to do it consciously, it would become nearly impossible. Our brains and bodies automate it, so that we can get on with the stuff we're actually doing -- getting somewhere, or Googling who holds the copyright on "Happy Birthday."

But, as with most learned skills, there are arguments for slowing them down, attending to them, and becoming more aware of their complexity. Sometimes it's because you can get better at it by doing that; sometimes it's just a matter of understanding more fully how complicated everyday tasks can be.

Most English courses assume this sort of thing, and expect that people already could do this kind of slowing down and reflecting. I don't make that assumption, because I think most people haven't done it, and need to get some experience of doing it. That's what this series of assignments in English (and the next few) are actually about.

(And writing that out was my own way of slowing down and attending to what I'm doing as a teacher.)
 

Two English-oriented Occasions

Two shows are running the rest of this week which have particular relevance to English (and which I'll be attending -- and writing about if enough others attend).  One is at Memorial Hall starting tonight, running through Saturday: two one-act plays, which you can find out more about by clicking here (if you're reading this on line). The other opens tomorrow night at the Playhouse and runs through Sunday afternoon; there's more here.

It may be worth reminding people that Theatre New Brunswick student tickets have been subsidized by McCain's, so you can get in for $10.