Do You Really Have The Right to Your Own Language?

Juliana Ruperto

English 1100

Prof. Young

Language

September 13, 2015

Using Your Own Language

Slang refers to words or phrases that are used widespread. I’m sure that at some part of your day, you’ve used slang whether you were talking to a friend or coworker. Slang and tone have become part of a writer or speaker's identity. How would you feel if you couldn’t express yourself through writing? Every conversation you’ll ever have has to be formal and grammatically correct. This is a problem that continues to arise in school systems; should teachers allow students to use their own language in their school work? I believe that students should be allowed to use their own language because that is how the best writing flows out. In my writing I use slang terms that I know my teacher will understand and relate to. Sometimes when students try to sound more intelligent, they fail to get their point across or they sound awkward. Students may spend hours looking for bigger words when they could easy get their point across with a four letter word. However, a teacher's job is to prepare their students for the real world. The so called “Real world” requires students to get well paying jobs. I wouldn't write the way I talk when applying for a job because I want my future employer to think that I’m smarter and more qualified than all the others applying for the job. I think the school systems should find a happy medium between using your own language and writing formally. Teachers should assign students essays that require formal writing but if the class is talking about, for example, a controversial topic like gay rights; the student should be allowed to express themselves and fully get their point across. If writing in their own language helps the student stay on topic and become a better writer, why shouldn’t they be allowed to express themselves if the teacher understands what they’re saying? 

  There are certain times where using your own language and freedom of speech can have a negative effect on your audience. In the song "Fuck Tha Police" by NWA, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, and Dr. Dre talk badly about the Compton police department and how they abuse their authority. Although, many people agree with what the rappers are saying yet it's the way they say it. They use curse words and other aggressive language that gets people excited. When using your own language you have to consider your effect on people. NWA was a popular group during their time, so their words created a cause and effect scenario. I personally, agree with the lyrics of the song because, yes some police officers are corrupt, however, there has to be a certain level of respect between the two. Ultimately, theres a time and place to use your own language and you just have to watch what you say and who it may effect.
In Ice Cubes first verse he raps, "Young nigga got it bad 'cause I'm brown and not the other color so police think they have the authority to kill a minority." Since Ice Cube is such a public figure this one line can cause people to rebel and riot. The line is also very disrespectful and it's not about he fells or what he said, it's how he said it.