“Never let it be said that dialect is a reflection of intellect. On the contrary, it is a reflection of the deep traditional values of a culture... a language system above everything else." - Patricia H. Graham
We all have our own thoughts regarding basic dialects; there's the southern dialects, the northern dialects, the dialects of African American English, etc.
However, set those thoughts aside for a second and think about this quote: "People's dialects are their difference, not their deficit."
Recently, in my Grammar and Theory class, my professor spoke those words. Immediately, my ears perked up and I began to realize that I, a future teacher of potentially very diverse students, am guilty of stereotyping or judging someone simply because of how they speak.
"Home language" is a term frequently used in the world of education. Home language is simply the ways in which people speak at home, whether it be slang or simple sayings that have been passed down. An example of this would be saying "cut off the lights" vs. "turn off the lights." We all have different home languages. Nevertheless, they deserved to be celebrated.
The worst thing teachers can do is tell a student that how he or she speaks is "wrong." A student's dialect is simply a reflection of the language and culture celebrated at home. Instead of telling a student that his or her country accent is wrong, allow his or her fellow students to learn aspects of the dialect or encourage students to accept all dialects.
When trying to teach grammar, though, home language can become troublesome. However, this is where the idea of "purpose vs. audience" comes into play. Teach students that how they speak to their friends on the playground is not how they would speak to their teacher. Explain to them that there are times and places for home language, academic language, and "recess" language. Students should not be told that their home language is incorrect.
Doing this only makes students hesitant and resentful towards grammar, and towards the teacher.
A student using curse words or uttering inappropriate things is obviously something that should be corrected; however, an accent or a student's traditional, cultural language should not be.
Now fo course, there are various concepts that students must retain and understand are important. They must understand capitalization, subject-verb agreement, commas, etc. With that being said, they will be much more open to learning about these grammar rules if their home language is encouraged.
Allow students to feel as though their home language and their culture is celebrated, not criticized.