Discussion Questions: 4 April

1. Why do the definitions of terms such as dialect, slang, and language matter?

2. Assuming we're somehow able define what a dialect is, how would learning a second dialect be different from learning a second language?

3. Why might it be important for a second dialect learner to be careful to distinguish the dialects, as opposed to mixing them, which might appear easier?

4. How are standard dialects different from non-standard ones (besides in terms of standardness)?

5. What might be the effects of the attitudes of the dominant (standard-dialect-speaking) culture towards the minority dialect on the use and the learning of first and second dialects?

6. Why might minority dialects survive in communities which are surrounded by speakers of the standard (or prestige) dialect?

7. What are the options that an education system has with respect to first language teaching (besides literacy)?

8. What are the options that an education system has with respect to minority dialects?

9. Is there a similar problem in other countries with other languages?