Language variation is all around us. Accents and language variation can be the first things we notice about a person. Feelings about what is "right" and "wrong" in language can even lead to language discrimination, and some are even taught to be ashamed of how they speak (whether it be directly or indirectly). This talk addresses relevant examples of language variation in urban centers in Western Massachusetts, and how students’ awareness of the varieties they speak could positively impact learning.
Meghan Armstrong is Assistant Professor of Hispanic Linguistics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research is focused on intonational meaning in both adult and child speech. She has done extensive work on intonational meaning in Puerto Rican Spanish and American English. Professor Armstrong is also involved in community engaged projects with Latina communities in Holyoke and Springfield.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
