Developing ESOL Pre-Service Teachers' Linguistic Competence Through Dialectical Variation Study

Abstract

This chapter overviews the components of a course unit on dialectical variation within a culture and education ESOL course designed to advance pre-service elementary education students' knowledge concerning the linguistic nature of various dialects of American English while also expanding their awareness of issues surrounding cultural attitudes and stereotypes associated with speakers of these linguistic varieties. The chapter begins with a discussion of various theoretical concepts that frame the course unit and provides an overview of several prevailing attitudes concerning dialectical variation and how the course unit works to counter these narratives. The chapter then highlights the resources, activities, and assignments that constitute the course unit along with an examination of how and why they are included and utilized in the unit. The chapter ends with an examination of possible resources and activities that may possibly be included in future iterations of the course unit.