[NIFL-WOMENLIT:2503] the change agent

From: Janet Isserlis (Janet_Isserlis@Brown.edu)
Date: Fri Feb 28 2003 - 14:27:47 EST


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Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 14:27:47 -0500
To: nifl-womenlit@nifl.gov
From: Janet Isserlis <Janet_Isserlis@Brown.edu>
Subject: [NIFL-WOMENLIT:2503] the change agent
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The Change Agent announces the publication of an issue on Language and
Power. This educational newspaper provides information and classroom
activities on social justice issues, community life and civic
participation. This 28 page issue explores some of the ways that
language expresses and wields power - power with and power over. We look
at this relationship from the perspective of individuals, for example:
the way people may treat and judge others or be treated because of the
language they use; the way language can be used for self-empowerment;
the dynamics in a family where two or more languages are spoken; what is
happening when we "name" others; and more.

We also take a look at the way social institutions-schools, public
agencies, government, the media-control the use of language in society
and effectively include or exclude certain groups of people in the power
structure through this control. Peppered throughout the paper you'll
find examinations of the use of Standard English in the United States,
bilingual policy, the English only movement, the "official" language of
war, and stories of cultural groups that have suffered severe oppression
by our government.

In this issue you can:
   read about one ESOL teacher's approach to engaging students in
examining power dynamics and related language use in the workplace
   get ideas for teaching students how to deconstruct euphemisms
   try out a classroom activity to explore different forms of English
   read poignant articles about language and culture by Amy Tan, June
Jordan, and others
   check out an activity about naming of self and others
   find engaging stories by Sandra Cisneros and Ernest Best that can
be used as classroom readings

Change Agent topics are explored through of a variety of writing
styles, graphics and classroom tools that provide many entry points for
learners at different levels. You'll also find print, video and web
resources for further exploration of the topic. Each Change Agent issue
hones in on a different topic that is relevant to adult learners'
lives.

The Change Agent is designed for use in intermediate-level ESOL, ABE,
GED and adult diploma classes. To read the PDF web version and to
subscribe go to http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent. Two issues per year
for $10, including shipping.



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