Thesis

Abbigail Rugel
Rasheda Young
November 18, 2015
Essay Thesis.


1. Because college students under the age of 21 have proven to be unable to drink responsibly, the legal drinking age should not be reduced therefore, college campuses should promote responsible drinking to the underaged to prevent violent and traumatic incidents.

2. Therefore the legal age should not be reduced to 18 because of the problematic chaos that occurs with underage drinking especially on college campuses.

10 Questions For Essay

Abbigail Rugel

November 9, 2015

Rasheda Young

Writting Skills 1100

Ten Question For Essay 

Police Brutality: Should we fear the police?

What qualifications/training must one have/undergo to become a policemen?

When did policemen begin to get their "bad rep"?

How often do cases where police brutality occur?

Why have policemen abused their powers?

Were these acts always unjustifiable?

Are these acts of aggression based primarily on just having power available and abusing it, or is there a hidden agenda involving race/gender as the media portrays?

Are policemen the only ones abusing powers and taking advantage?

How have policemen managed to get away with such acts?

Is there a way to minimize this ongoing problem?

In what specific ways have policemen dishonored the oath they have taken?

Student's Right to Their Own Language

Abbigail Rugel
September 17, 2015
Professor Rasheda Young
Writing Skills 1100
Student's Right to Their Own Language

Self Expression

     The article called “Student’s Right to Their Own Language” discusses how students should have the right to be able to use the dialects they use on a daily basis in their writing. Through linguistic experts and through linguistic studies show that there is no reason as to why students should not be allowed to write in the form and style of which they speak. Being a student myself, I can agree with these linguistics and feel that we should be allowed to write in our own style and format. 

Language is a part of our identity and so is the dialect in which we speak in. A writer named Gloria Anzaldua even went as far to say “I am my language.” Without language we would not be able to express ourself and isn’t the whole point of writing and placing your words down on paper to express our thoughts, beliefs, ideas, arguments, etc? IF this is in fact the sole purpose for writing then why not let students have the flexibility and creativity to use their language to express themselves on paper. Allowing students to write this way helps with their writing style and by developing a writing style we add on more to our identity. Our dialect in which we speak in has been delayed through our years in the environment we live in as well as our culture which is difficult to reconstruct. By forcing students to all write in a specific format instead of teaching them how to strengthen what they already know is asking them to change a part of their identity. 

     When writing an essay, a specific message is being emitted and we are to get our point across through a form of language called EAE (Edited American English). In classrooms we are told to express ourselves and find who we are as people and yet they limit our ability to do so by only allowing a specific form of writing in a classroom setting whether it is for an English class or a History class. There should be no reason as to why us students should not be allowed to write the way we speak if the meaning is still the same. As long as each sentence can be understood through context clues, there should be no problem. 

     When writing essays I have always used EAE because that is what I was told to do in all of my classes. Not once was there a moment where my English teacher taught us how to strengthen what I already know to enhance my writing. I think of all the possible ways I would be able to express myself and connect to the audience reading my writing if I were able to write the way I speak. The accent I have is not as distinct as others for example those from Boston or down South but certain words are used in my everyday vocabulary that can help express my thoughts in writing. 

Students should be taught different techniques on how to project their words onto paper using what they already know. Although it is still important to know EAE for reports and in a work setting perhaps but classrooms are we are supposed to be able to be creative and exercise different ways of self expression. Being able to write the way we speak allows us to do so. We need to be able to express ourselves without being penalized for it or being viewed as less educated simply because we speak differently or use words in different context. Being different and unique is the sole purpose of living, to stand out. Us students should not have our right to use our own language in writing taken from us, we demand the right to self expression.

Response to How to Tame a Wild Tongue

Abbigail Rugel

September 2, 2015

Professor Rasheda Young

Writing Skills 1100

Response to How to Tame a Wild Tongue

Identity and Life

     Gloria Anzaldua wrote an article called How to Tame a Wild Tongue. She writes about how important is in life. Everyone has their own identity based on their culture, language, gender, race, etc. Your identity is how you view yourself and how you identify and view yourself as a person. Having an identity is extremely important in order for people to differentiate themselves from others so they are able to embrace their unique qualities. I believe that having your own identity is an important part of someone’s life and I am proud of my identity and who I am as a person.

     In the article, Anzaldua explains her life as a Chicana and her people’s hardship trying to keep their culture and identity. She speaks highly of how important her language is and even says “I am my language” showing pride in her language and how she connects her language with herself and her identity. Anzaldua and those who were also Chicana speak several different languages such as Standard English, Working-class English and slang English, Standard Spanish, Standard Mexican Spanish, and the list goes on. Through their language and culture they have come up with their own identity.

     When socializing with people I like to think that there is something that sets me apart from them, a unique quality. I identify myself as a Hispanic female from New Jersey with a slight accent. There are certain words or phrases that I say differently and some people find it amusing and others find it odd. Like Anzaldua does throughout her article as well as when she speaks, I also use some Spanish words and phrases when speaking and communicating in general whether its with family or friends. Having my own identity and being unique makes me feel special as if I have a special place on Earth. There are no two people exactly alike, there is no there Abbigail Florence Rugel out there with my same personality, beliefs, accent, culture, passion, etc. Being your own self in a world filled with people is a beautiful thing and I am proud to be who I am. 

Three Quotes - How to Tame a Wild Tongue

Abbigail Rugel
August 31, 2015
Professor Rasheda Young
Writing Skills 1100
Three Quotes from How to Tame a Wild Tongue

Connections to Myself

     One sentence that caught my attention was "Pocho, cultural traitor, you're speaking the oppressor's language by speaking English, you're ruining the Spanish language."that Anzluda wrote in her article. Growing up in a Hispanic family where my relatives live in South America or relatives who have come to the states, a similar statement is commonly made when they hear me speak English instead of Spanish. They believe that by speaking English that I am helping the language die out instead of keeping alive and relevant to my life. To my distant family, their language is important to them because it shapes who they are so by not speaking the language they view it as a traitorous act. "In childhood we are told that our language is wrong. Repeated attacks on our native tongue diminish our sense of self. The attacks continue throughout our lives." is also written by Anzaluda in her article. My mother came to this country at the age of 25 to be with my father. She studied architecture at NJIT and had several drawings featured at the Rutgers museum and while she was successful, she was embarrassed at the fact that she had an accent and spoke Spanish which is her native language. She struggled through the years because there were people who would bash her for the way she spoke and because of this she refused to speak Spanish around me at a young age or even teach me the language because she did not want me to have an accent because it was viewed as unacceptable. She didn't want me to go through what she went through such as the verbal attacks she would hear daily and even to this day she still feels uncomfortable with her accent. I also enjoyed the quote by Kaufman, "Identity is the essential core of who we are as individuals, the conscious experience of the self inside." This quote holds so much truth and power and makes me think of my identity and how proud I am to be who I am. Our identity is important and is something everyone should cherish and be proud of. 

How to Tame a Wild Tongue

Abbigail Rugel

August 31, 2015

Professor Rasheda Young

Writing Skills 1100

How to Tame a Wild Tongue Response

Language and Identity

1. In the beginning of the article How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua mentions a visit at the dentist. At this visit, her dentist complains about how stubborn her tongue was and her first thought was “how do you train a wild tongue, train it to be quiet…?” The main purpose of the article is to express how she feels she should be able to speak the language she desires that is a part of her identity and not have to be forced to change her culture to be socially accepted in the United States of America. She wants to be respected and does not want to change or be “tamed”.

2. Anzaluda uses some Spanish phrases and words throughout her entire article. She does give context clues in her writing to help readers understand what is being said. Anzaluda speaks a mixture of Spanish and English and commonly switches between the two while speaking naturally which is why these phrases and words are scattered throughout her article. The author also was uncomfortable at moments in her life because of the language she spoke so this was her way of sending that uncomfortable feeling back to her readers so we can feel what she has been feeling all her life.

3. Neither can be defined as standard or non standard and this is because both are used by people and by calling either standard or nonstandard, causes one to be viewed as less valid than the other. 

4. How we speak and write in Academic English can also help define who we are as a person. It can give sight as to how we explain and discuss certain materials in a professional way and is necessary in formal times such as the classroom or workspace.

5. Anzaluda does mention several types of Spanish, identities. There are several English identities such as those who live in Minnesota and say pop instead of soda or those from New York like Long Island and Staten Island where certain phrases and slang are used and are not common in other parts of the country and even those from down south who have different morals and beliefs than other parts of the country. I was born and raised in New Jersey which plays a role in my identity resulting in my morals, values, beliefs, accent, and use of slang words.

6. I suppose that I do use a secret language to communicate amongst friends with use of slang words as well as using denotation throughout conversation. The slang I use with my friends can be considered another language in a way because those who are older may not be able to understand what is being said nor will those who are not from the area. 

7. When speaking to my friends and sometimes with my family, I use nonstandard English because we are all comfortable with each other and can be informal and use slang. I use standard English when addressing professors as while as my bosses when at work to be proper and respectful.

8. When one says, “I am my language”, they are referring to the culture that comes with the language. Anzaluda writes about how her childhood memories like woodsmoke perfuming her grandmother’s clothes and skin. All these emotions and images that she refers back to is connected to her language. She mentions how she takes pride in her language and the values that come with it. 

9.  In the introduction, the author writes about a specific visit to the dentist visit where the dentist makes and observant comment about how stubborn her tongue was. In the conclusion, the author ends the article with the sentence “Stubborn, persevering, impenetrable as stone, yet possessing a malleability that renders us unbreakable, we, the mestizos, will remain.” The word stubborn is mentioned again connecting the introduction to the conclusion explaining how she and her people will not be tamed and will keep their language and fight for the respect they deserve.

10. Yes the language you speak can be part of your identity. Different languages originate from different countries and each country has their  own culture and belief system which all plays a role in identity. I am hispanic and I understand Spanish more than I can speak it but by being hispanic and knowing the language, I have obtained different customs and beliefs. For example, often times when I meet someone new I shake their hand and give an air-kiss where my cheek touches the persons cheek but my lips simply kiss the air. This comes from my background of being hispanic and my language. I often times use Spanish words or phrases when speaking but it is not a common occurrence. 

11. Identity is very important to me. Having an identity determines who you are as a person whether it is how you view yourself or how others view you. Everyone has their own identity and is entitled to one. Anzaluda clearly believes that having an identity is important. She speaks about how she identified herself, how her siblings identified themselves, and how she identifies herself now. She believes everyone should have their own identity and should not be forced to alter their culture and self to other cultures. 

GETTING TO KNOW ME 

1.  Although I currently do not play a sport, I played soccer for a year in high school and have been a part of competitive cheerleading teams since about the age of 7. 
2. Helping other in whatever way I can is something I am extremely passionate about. Whether its helping someone find a solution to their problem, volunteering, or simply donating to charity; I make sure I do what I can to help people.
3. I have two nicknames: Abby and Flo. Abby is from my full name Abbigial and I obtained the nickname, Flo, from one of the kids I take car of at my local YMCA. She found out my middle name was Florence and instantly thought of the blue fish named Flo in Finding Nemo (No I am not Flo from Progressive) 
4. I tend to let words just flow instead of having an outline when I write but I have been working on making outlines instead to organize my thoughts.
5. My teacher's in high school would only allow us a chance to revise our material to earn a higher grade ever so often. We did learn about grammar rules and structure as well as the five paragraph structure. 
6. I listen to all genres of music but my favorite genres are alternative and singer/songwriter. My favorite artists are Vance Joy, Hozier, and George Ezra.
7. I do use social media but not as often as I used to. I rarely go on twitter anymore but I do use Instagram and Snapchat whenever I have the time.
8. I find it important that I learn how to be able to clearly express my thoughts in essays and go more in depth on how to organize my thoughts as well as how to transition through my paragraphs more efficiently.
9. I would rate myself as a B writer because I can use more improvement in my writing.