In an attempt to observe literacy in a real life context, five of my colleagues and I visited a local park. It was my goal to carefully listen for characteristic words or phrases that would be exclusive to this location. Indeed, words like "slide" and "swing" were heard, but I soon realized that the uniqueness of the language wasn't merely found in the vocabulary, itself; it was the connotation behind the words being said that distinguished the language found in this area from other places in society. For instance, I overheard a little boy say to his seemingly younger brother, "I'm going to push you." In many instances with children, especially siblings, this sentence would indicate that they were quarrelling with one another; however, in this case, instead of fighting, the brothers were getting along. In fact, the older brother wanted to be of service to his younger brother by simply pushing him in the swing. Furthermore, a grandmother was repetitively instructing her granddaughter by stating, "out and then back, out and then back." Although "out" and "back" individually often have a very specific meaning to many people, in this context, they are grouped together with the purpose of teaching a child how to effectively propel herself in the swing.
Not only was uniqueness found in the language spoken, it was also observed in writing around the park. There were a series of x's and o's found in a 3x3 block. Is it likely that these same letters are signifying hugs and kisses as they would if they were found at the end of a love note? Probably not; instead, they were intended for the children to play a three dimensional, interactive version of Tic, Tac, Toe.
In addition, there was a large mural on the ground with a quote by G.B. Shaw that encompassed the picture and read, "We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." This is certainly not a quote that would be appropriate in all settings, but it is definitely suitable for the park, a place intended for family oriented activities. It serves as a friendly reminder to parents and grandparents that it is okay to simply forgo the busyness of life for a bit and take on the imaginative mindset of a kid again.
When I reflect on my experience at the park, it really does seem fascinating to me that words can easily become variables with unknown meanings or definitions when they are removed from context. Phrases or vocabulary found in the park have the potential to mean something completely different elsewhere. Who knew that a walk in the park could prove to be so educational?
Your point about words taking on an uncommon (or at least a secondary meaning) in this playground context is really interesting. The unique language of the park was not so much lingo or jargon but in the special use of ordinary words. Do you think that is particular to this setting, being largely populated by children whose vocabulary is not very robust, or do you think this is fairly common even amongst adults (this being the reuse of common words in a specialized context)?
ReplyDeleteArt - that is an interesting question. I found in my experience working with Chinese students that they find the way so much meaning in English is expressed through connotation very confusing and frustrating. So, I think that we'd find that while children may use connotative meanings of words more often than adults, that the instances of the connotative meaning being used over the denotative meaning in English is highly pervasive, especially in informal writing and speech.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Courtney - good job :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Words "mean" always and only according to the surrounding context. So what does this mean to us as literacy teachers? Does it make sense to test the meanings of words in a word list? Also, think of the countless meanings that children sort through in their everyday actions, instantly knowing that "push" in this case was helpful rather than a threat. Does it make you wonder how they learn this so well at such a young age? There is some highly effective learning going on here, right?
ReplyDeleteThe contextual language is especially interesting when you think how broad it really is. If a child is on a swing, "push" is helpful. The second their feet hit the ground, "push" is intimidating. "Push" at the top of a slide can be welcome or unwelcome. "Push" on the spider web is scary. There is such a huge spectrum for each verb at a park.
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